One Nation has announced a sweeping overhaul of Australia’s immigration system, vowing to significantly cut migration numbers, tighten visa regulations, and enforce stricter deportation measures. The party argues that current policies are straining housing, infrastructure, and essential services, making life harder for everyday Australians.
Party leader Pauline Hanson declared that Australia’s immigration laws must be enforced, starting with the immediate deportation of 75,000 visa overstayers, illegal workers, and unlawful non-residents. “Illegal migration undermines national security, drives down wages, and takes advantage of public services meant for Australians,” Hanson said.
The plan includes slashing annual migration intake by over 570,000 from current Labor levels, capping visas at 130,000 per year. One Nation claims this move will help ease pressure on housing affordability, wages, and infrastructure, which have struggled to keep pace with rapid population growth.
A major focus of the policy is cracking down on skilled visa “rorting,” which the party says allows foreign workers to undercut Australian employees. Hanson pledged to close loopholes that enable businesses to exploit cheap overseas labour rather than investing in local talent.
Student visa restrictions also form a key part of the policy, with One Nation proposing to remove the ability for student visa holders to bring family members. The party argues that the current system allows international students to use education as a backdoor to permanent residency or low-wage employment.
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which handles immigration appeals, would also face reform. One Nation accuses the system of being abused with endless appeals that delay deportations and create legal loopholes for unlawful migrants. “Immigration enforcement must not be held hostage by legal delays,” Hanson stated.
Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs), scrapped under the Albanese government, would be reintroduced to prevent permanent residency for asylum seekers arriving by boat. One Nation believes this policy will serve as a deterrent to illegal arrivals and uphold border security.
Under the plan, any visa holder convicted of a crime would face immediate deportation. “Weak law enforcement has put Australians in danger for too long. If you break the law, you lose your visa,” Hanson said.
A stricter pathway to citizenship is also proposed, with an eight-year waiting period before migrants can access welfare benefits. The party insists this measure ensures new arrivals contribute to society before receiving government assistance.
Finally, One Nation is calling for Australia to withdraw from the UN Refugee Convention, arguing that immigration policy should be determined solely by the national government. “We will not be dictated to by foreign organisations when deciding who we accept on humanitarian grounds,” Hanson said.