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Would Australia really cut migration to 100,000 a year? A plain guide for Ugandan job seekers

News · 2026-10-06 · 4 min read

Many families in Kampala and Entebbe watch Australian news because one job abroad can change a household. When a plan appears promising the largest immigration cut in Australian history, it is natural to worry. So, first, the key fact: the plan was released on 6 October 2026 by the federal Opposition, the Liberal and National Coalition, and it is a proposal only. It would apply only if the Coalition wins the next federal election and then makes the changes. Nothing in it is law or current policy, and existing visa rules are unchanged.

A quick glossary

• Net overseas migration: people arriving to live in Australia minus people leaving.
• Temporary visa holders: people in Australia on visas that expire, such as work or student visas.
• Permanent skilled migration program: the yearly set of permanent places for skilled workers, capped by number.

The figures in the plan

The plan fixes yearly net overseas migration at 100,000 for the first two years a Coalition government held office, and lets it climb to roughly 160,000 by year four. Outside the pandemic, the Opposition says, 100,000 would be the smallest figure since 2004 and similar to the steady level of the late 1990s. By the end of four years, arrivals as a share of the population would remain under the average recorded during a previous Coalition government.

Alongside that, roughly 650,000 fewer people would be living in Australia on temporary visas by the end of the four years. Yearly permanent skilled places would stay limited to 185,000, although the limit could later be reduced if needed so that migration remains below homes completed, as the party's housing pledge promises. Skilled work visas would follow needed skills very closely.

The Opposition says the plan would be budget-neutral, free up more homes and ease pressure on frontline services.

What is said about students

For completeness, the student side of the plan ends the temporary graduate visa, limits most secondary applicants who accompany a main student, offers post-study transitional visas to PhD, health, education and regional-university graduates, and lowers commencements to 240,000. That is separate from the worker side covered here.

Other voices in the debate

The Labor Government has its own announced changes, including making it harder for international students to bring their families, a clampdown on visa-hopping, and priority for visas for skilled workers in teaching, construction and agriculture. One Nation, which claims credit for starting the debate, has a plan to cut net overseas migration by 750,000 over three years. An independent MP warned the Coalition's approach risked importing the fear and division seen in immigration debates in the United States and parts of Europe.

A preparation list for Ugandan applicants

1. Keep reading the official Department of Home Affairs visa pages.
2. Gather UNEB results, Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) certificates and employer references. A local qualification does not automatically equal an Australian licence or registration.
3. Take an English test if a visa or employer asks; PractiseNow has practice for common tests.
4. If a police certificate is requested, ask about an Interpol police clearance in good time.
5. Check any adviser: a MARA registration for Australia, or a licensed immigration adviser or lawfully exempt person for New Zealand.

Common mistakes with this news

Some people stop all preparation because of the plan. Others assume that a fall in temporary visa holders inside Australia means no new arrivals at all. Another habit is to trust forwarded messages that say the doors close next month; the plan has no start date because it needs an election first. Instead, keep your documents ready and browse the current vacancies. For related reading see why the migration debate may be asking the wrong question and net overseas migration explained.

Questions Ugandan readers ask

Is the plan a law?

No. It is a proposal and applies only if the Coalition wins government and acts.

Would skilled workers still be able to migrate?

Yes, within a yearly limit of 185,000 permanent places that could be lowered over the longer term.

Does the plan mention African countries?

No. It talks about overall numbers and visa categories.

Should I wait before applying anywhere?

Plan on today's rules. They are the only ones that count right now.

Main points to remember

• A proposal from the Opposition, not government policy.
• Yearly migration of 100,000 for two years, near 160,000 by year four, and about 650,000 fewer people on temporary visas.
• Permanent skilled places keep their 185,000 ceiling.
• Keep documents ready and use official sources.

#australian migration #opposition plan #net overseas migration #uganda #job seekers