Coalition proposes slashing Australian temporary visa numbers

• The Coalition proposed cutting temporary visa numbers to reduce net overseas migration to 100,000.
• The policy is projected to boost the federal budget by $260 million over four years.
• The strategy aims to replace low-skilled migration with higher-value skilled migrants to strengthen the economy.

The Coalition proposed cutting net overseas migration from 292,000 down to 100,000 for two years to reset Australia's temporary visa system.

This proposed target compares to the federal government's budget forecast of 245,000 net overseas arrivals in 2026-27.

"The only thing driving the budget is immigration growth and inflation, and that’s a failed economic model we’ve seen from this government," said Coalition Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

Under the proposal, temporary skilled visa numbers would expand by over 100,000, while low-skilled arrivals would be reduced by 750,000.

The Coalition stated that the policy would remain budget-neutral while improving economic productivity and skill levels.

The total number of temporary visa holders residing in Australia grew by one million people over the past four years to reach three million.

In contrast, political party One Nation proposed lowering net overseas migration to 130,000 within a three-year period.