Coalition’s migration plan risks breaching India free trade agreement and damaging economy, advocates warn
News Source
•Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:00:16 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Coalition announced big cuts to migration on Tuesday. It plans to slash temporary graduate visas from 271,200 to just 10,000 by 2031-32. Critics say this may break Australia's free trade deal with India. That deal, signed under the Morrison government, lets Indian students stay and work for up to four years after study.
🔍 The Backstory
Australia relies on international students. They bring in billions of dollars each year and help universities run. The India trade deal was meant to make study here more attractive. University groups warn the cuts will make Australia less competitive. Other countries could take the students instead.
🎯 Why It Matters
Fewer international students could mean less money for universities and fewer jobs in the towns that host them. It could also hurt ties with India.
The Coalition announced big cuts to migration on Tuesday. It plans to slash temporary graduate visas from 271,200 to just 10,000 by 2031-32. Critics say this may break Australia's free trade deal with India. That deal, signed under the Morrison government, lets Indian students stay and work for up to four years after study.
Australia relies on international students. They bring in billions of dollars each year and help universities run. The India trade deal was meant to make study here more attractive. University groups warn the cuts will make Australia less competitive. Other countries could take the students instead.
Fewer international students could mean less money for universities and fewer jobs in the towns that host them. It could also hurt ties with India.