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One Nation proposes cutting temporary visas by 750,000

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 6:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

One Nation Cuts Visas

One Nation proposes cutting temporary visa holders by 750,000 over three years.
The plan would make net overseas migration negative and set a 130,000-year ceiling.
International student and family visas would be capped at 135,000 annually.
One Nation would bar families of skilled migrants, cutting over 100,000 places.
The party pledges to deport 80,000 visa overstayers in three years despite expert doubts.

Summary

Howard Questions Migration

Former prime minister John Howard questioned the migration-terrorism link at an Australian National University forum.
Indigenous author Thomas Mayo warned the immigration debate fuels fear and division.
Indian-born business owner Charanjit Singh backs One Nation for cost-of-living relief.
Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation gaining support from voters born in India, China, Philippines.
Human-rights lawyer Nyadol Nyuon urged the forum to recognise migrants’ economic contributions.

History

Historical Context

In August 2001 the Howard government responded to the Tampa affair by amending the Migration Act and launching the Pacific Solution, sending about 1,500 asylum seekers to offshore centres on Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Implemented by Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock on 28 September, the scheme cost roughly AU$1.2 billion in its first three years and enjoyed bipartisan support before being dismantled in 2008.

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One Nation Cuts Visas

One Nation proposes cutting temporary visa holders by 750,000 over three years.
The plan would make net overseas migration negative and set a 130,000-year ceiling.
International student and family visas would be capped at 135,000 annually.
One Nation would bar families of skilled migrants, cutting over 100,000 places.
The party pledges to deport 80,000 visa overstayers in three years despite expert doubts.

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