New figures reveal the number of permanent visa approvals reached 140,366 in the 2019/20 financial year - well below the government's planning ceiling of 160,000.
Australia’s permanent migration intake has fallen to its lowest level in at least 10 years as the coronavirus pandemic causes visa processing delays and major disruptions to international travel.
By comparison, there were some 160,000 permanent visas issued in the last financial year before the coronavirus pandemic. Australian National University demographer Liz Allen said COVID-19 had caused major disruptions to international travel, as well as visa processing delays and a decrease in applications.
The permanent migration intake covers skilled migration pathways, family migration pathways, and a small number of special eligibility visas. Mr Rizvi said this reflected the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on inbound travellers and requirements for visa holders to attain qualifications locally. Those who fall under the 17 designated categories will be prioritised for a travel exemption allowing them to enter Australia, but will still be required to complete the 14-day supervised quarantine at their own expense.Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said the make up of next financial year’s migration program would be announced as part of the budget process in October.
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