Hanson, leader of Australia’s right-wing populist One Nation party, has called for international students to leave Australia before applying for further study visas, arguing the change would prevent abuse of the country’s migration system.
In a media release published on June 12, Hanson claimed some international students were exploiting visa, appeals and asylum processes to prolong their stay in Australia.
“There’s been an explosion of foreign students abusing the system with ‘course-hopping,’” said Hanson, referring to students who switch providers or courses while remaining in Australia on bridging visas.
She also argued that “universities addicted to foreign student money are part of the problem”.
Under One Nation’s proposal, students who discontinue their studies would be required to leave Australia before applying for another student visa, with access to bridging visas also restricted for those seeking to remain onshore while reapplying.
As a senator in a minor party outside government, Hanson cannot implement policy but uses media releases to advocate for legislative changes and influence migration debate.
Hanson, who founded One Nation in 1997 and currently serves as a senator for Queensland, has long advocated lower migration levels and tighter border controls.
Her latest intervention comes amid shifting international enrolments and visa integrity measures implemented by the Albanese government.
In recent years, federal government reforms have tightened rules on ‘visa hopping’, limiting some onshore visa switching in an effort to strengthen migration system integrity.
Federal officials, including assistant minister for international education Julian Hill, have emphasised the need to “manage the size and shape of the onshore international student market” as part of efforts to steer the sector towards greater sustainability.
Australia’s international education sector has shown signs of cooling, with data pointing to a decline in international student commencements and particularly sharp falls in enrolments within the ELICOS sector.
