<\/p>\n

The number of temporary migrants in Australia\u00a0is booming<\/a>\u00a0after falls during the pandemic. Of this group, current and former international students are the largest component.<\/p>\n

This comes as the federal government\u2019s new\u00a0migration review<\/a>\u00a0found \u201chard choices are required\u201d to halt the increase in \u201cpermanently temporary\u201d migrants in Australia. These are people who have lived in the country for an extended period, but have no path to permanent residency or citizenship.<\/p>\n

The review, led by former top public servant Martin Parkinson, made\u00a0many recommendations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They included changes to help international students get jobs and stay in Australia, particularly those with \u201chigh potential\u201d. It also recommended the federal government \u201creview the drivers\u201d to minimise the number of international students becoming \u201cpermanently temporary\u201d migrants in the first place.<\/p>\n

This will need the government to take a better look at the role universities and vocational colleges play in migration to ensure we have both a sustainable migration system and a thriving education sector.<\/p>\n

The age of the temporary migrant<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Temporary migrants have a visa allowing them to stay in Australia for an extended period, but they are not permanent migrants or Australian citizens. The recent migration review found the rise in \u201cpermanently temporary\u201d visa holders \u201chas caused harm\u201d to Australia and migrants, noting both uncertainty and the \u201crisk of migrant worker exploitation\u201d.<\/p>\n

International students have led the growth of this group. Since 2011, the number of current and former international students who are temporary migrants\u00a0has increased<\/a>\u00a0from about 275,000 to more than 765,000.<\/p>\n

The pandemic saw the number of international students in Australia fall. Since borders reopened in December 2021, the number of international students in Australia has returned to\u00a0record levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Signs suggest the numbers will continue to increase. The number of visas approved for international students are also at\u00a0record levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The government has also committed to expanding\u00a0post-study work rights<\/a>\u00a0for international graduates. These rights enable former students in certain courses to stay for a period after their course. This can range from 18 months to six years.<\/p>\n