Australia Maintains 185,000 Permanent Migration Cap for 2025–26

The Albanese Government has confirmed that Australia's 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, maintaining the same level and skilled migration focus as the previous year. This decision, announced by Immigration Minister Tony Burke after consultations with states and territories, aims to address critical skills shortages and support productivity and regional development. While tens of thousands protested for lower migration intake, the government emphasized the importance of a strong skilled stream to the economy and continued processing visas without disruption. The Net Overseas Migration has been actively reduced since its pandemic peak, with student arrivals falling below pre-pandemic levels. Prime Minister Albanese condemned extremist participation in recent anti-migration rallies and stressed the need for community outreach. The government also plans to release a report on combating Islamophobia, reflecting its broader engagement with diverse communities amid migration debates.