Government quietly shakes up skilled, family visa processing
The Australian government is prioritizing on-shore visa applicants over those applying from overseas to curb net overseas migration. Experts suggest this policy shift aims to manage the large temporary migrant population, though it creates distinct winners and losers in the immigration process.
Why it matters
This policy change reflects a significant shift in national immigration strategy aimed at controlling population growth and managing temporary residency.
The federal government is pushing curb net overseas migration by changing the way it processes skilled and family visa applications.
On-shore migrants are now given priority over offshore counterparts, which the government says represents a sensible, measured approach.
But migration experts have flagged there are clear winners and losers under the changes.
Abul Rizvi, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration Professor Alan Gamlen, Director of The Australian National University (ANU) Migration Hub Jana Favero, Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Abul Rizvi doesn't believe the changes will have a significant effect on NOM. ( ABC News: Krishani Dhanji )
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