Proposed Migration Policy Changes and Potential Trade Agreement Risks

The opposition party has proposed a significant reduction in net overseas migration, targeting a cap of 100,000 for the first two years of a potential government. The plan includes the abolition of temporary graduate visas, with numbers projected to decrease from 271,200 to 10,000 by the 2031-32 period.

Legal and industry experts indicate that these changes may conflict with existing commitments under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. The agreement explicitly guarantees post-study work rights for Indian graduates, which the proposed policy seeks to eliminate or restructure.

Educational institutions have warned that the policy could diminish Australia’s competitiveness in the global talent market. The removal of post-study work pathways is expected to reduce the intake of international students, potentially impacting the labor supply in critical sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology.

While the opposition maintains that the policy will not breach international treaties, they have signaled an intent to negotiate alternative visa pathways for affected partners. The transition is planned over a four-year period, with limited exemptions for specific priority occupations.