Australia Caps Working Holiday Visas and Tightens Migration Rules

The Australian government, through the Department of Home Affairs, has announced significant cuts to the working holiday visa program. Under the new rules, the number of second-year visas will be capped at 45,000, while third-year visas will be limited to 5,000. These changes mean that the total intake of second and third-year backpackers will be approximately 38,000 fewer than in 2026. Additionally, foreign students are no longer permitted to bring partners or children while they study in Australia, and the government is cracking down on visa hopping and overstaying.

The visa reforms are intended to ease pressure on housing and are a response to the surge of political pressure from the far-right. The cuts are already being felt by the agricultural sector, which relies on these visa holders for seasonal labor. The industry warns that the reduced intake could have a devastating impact on growers.