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One Nation Proposes Sharp Cuts to Student and Migrant Intake

By Geopolitics Desk · 2026-09-14 · 2 min read
A university campus building with a large arched entrance and rows of windows, surrounded by manicured green lawns and trees.
Illustration: Tradingbird

The One Nation party has outlined a policy framework aiming to reduce net migration significantly, focusing on student visas and family reunification channels.

The One Nation party has unveiled a detailed plan to reduce Australia’s net migration by 750,000 places over the next three years. According to GN geopolitics/migration (en-US), the proposal targets international student intake and the family reunification of skilled workers, marking a significant shift in the party's immigration stance.

Under the scheme, student visa numbers would be capped at roughly one-third of current levels, while visas for the families of both students and skilled migrants would be eliminated entirely. The party describes this approach as creating "breathing space" for the domestic labor market and housing sector.

Restructuring Student Visa Categories

The plan introduces a new visa category for "high-value" students, specifically prioritizing those with PhDs or expertise in science, engineering, and frontier technologies. Senator Pauline Hanson stated that this move aims to attract top global talent for research institutions, distinguishing them from what she termed "visa factories".

Conversely, the number of places for international graduates seeking to remain in Australia for work would drop from 270,000 to 40,000. The policy suggests that universities providing on-campus housing for international students would receive priority, aiming to reduce pressure on the private rental market.

Political Reactions to Economic Risks

Labor frontbencher Murray Watt criticized the proposal, arguing that it would "destroy regional economies" and likely drive the country into recession. He noted that serious labor shortages exist in various industries, making such sharp reductions a potential economic danger.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor expressed deep concern regarding the impact on small businesses, describing the plan as "half-baked" due to unclear year-on-year net migration figures. Hanson countered that economic growth is meaningless if individual Australians cannot afford housing, emphasizing living standards over aggregate economic size.

Future Migration Targets and Reviews

Following the initial three-year period of net-negative migration, the party proposes a ceiling of 130,000 for the net overseas migration program. This figure would be subject to annual reviews to ensure it aligns with the party’s goal of returning migration levels to pre-pandemic 2017 estimates.

The policy also includes a lifetime ban for individuals who overstay their visas, reflecting a stricter enforcement posture. As the debate continues, the focus remains on how these structural changes will affect Australia’s labor market and higher education sector in the coming years.

Based on reporting by abc.net.au, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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