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Australia's migration debate: the Coalition's cut proposal explained for Filipino workers

News · 2026-10-06 · 4 min read

Kabayan, if you saw headlines this week about Australia "slashing" migration, take a breath. On 6 October 2026 the Liberal and National Coalition, which sits in opposition at the federal level, published its migration policy. It is a proposal for the future. It becomes reality only if the Coalition wins the next federal election and then makes the changes. Right now no visa has been cancelled, no cap has moved, and the rules you apply under are the same as before.

Where the proposal comes from and what it aims for

The Coalition presents the policy as the largest immigration cut in the country's history. Its stated goals are to favour people with skills Australia is short of, to keep the plan budget-neutral, and to ease the strain on housing and frontline services. Supporters and critics disagree on these points, and this article does not take a side.

Proposed targets for net overseas migration

Net overseas migration is arrivals minus departures over a year. The Coalition's targets are:

1. 100,000 a year for its first two years in government.
2. A gradual move to roughly 160,000 by the fourth year.

For context, the Coalition notes that 100,000 would be the lowest figure since 2004 (leaving aside the pandemic) and similar to what Australia saw consistently in the late 1990s. It also says that, four years on, migration measured against the size of the population would remain under the average of a former Coalition government.

How temporary workers and skilled migrants would be affected

For OFWs weighing Australia as a next destination, this is the most relevant part. The plan expects about 650,000 fewer temporary visa holders in Australia over four years. On the permanent side, the skilled migration program would keep its cap of 185,000 places each year. Later on, the Coalition says that cap could be cut if necessary so that migration does not exceed the number of new homes finished, matching its migration and housing pledge. Skilled work visas would be tightly targeted at the skills the country needs.

Students and recent graduates would also face changes under the plan, such as limits on most family members joining students, but those details sit outside this article's focus on workers.

A crowded political debate

Migration is a big topic across Australian politics right now. Last month the Labor Government set out its own planned changes: tougher rules for international students bringing family, action against visa-hopping, and visa priority for skilled workers in teaching, construction and agriculture. One Nation, which says it started the conversation, wants net overseas migration cut by 750,000 across three years. An independent MP criticised the Coalition's approach and warned of the fear and division seen in immigration debates in the United States and parts of Europe.

Your next steps as a Filipino applicant

A proposal is not a reason to drop your plans. Keep building a strong application under the current system:

If you are starting from scratch, our step-by-step guide to jobs in Australia for Filipinos walks through the visa, agency and OFW Pass stages in order.

• Have an English CV ready that highlights your overseas and local experience.
• Book an English test such as IELTS or PTE if the visa or employer asks for one.
• Get an NBI clearance when a police certificate is requested.
• Check the current pre-departure requirements with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) before you travel.

When you look for jobs in Australia for Filipinos, the visa rules that count are the ones published today on the Department of Home Affairs immigration website. Follow official updates, and treat any post claiming the rules "have already changed" with care.

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