In contrast to previous Federal Budgets, the Australian Government has announced very little commentary in relation to the 2025-26 Migration Program, including staying silent on permanent planning levels. With significant change having occurred in the previous 18 months in the migration landscape, the Government has turned its focus to other areas.
Some key immigration program announcements are:
Net overseas migration
There is a trending decline in net overseas migration with it expected to stabilise in 2025-26. Departures are expected to increase as those on visas granted during the pandemic reach the end of their stay period in Australia. Net overseas migration is forecast to be 225,000 in 2027–28 and 2028–29.
Supporting social cohesion
A core focus of the Department of Home Affairs is contributing to social cohesion outcomes through cross-cutting policy, community engagement, grants programs, and efforts to safeguard and sustain Australia’s democratic resilience. The Government will provide $178.4 million over five years from 2024–25 (and $1.2 million per year ongoing) to support social cohesion in Australia. Funding includes:
- $3.5 million over three years from 2026–27, and $1.2 million per year ongoing, to embed the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement program following conclusion of a pilot providing post‑arrival supports to refugees; and
- $7.7 million in 2025–26 to extend the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration program to boost refugee employment.
Boosting economic ties with India
The Government will provide $20 million over four years from 2025–26 to support increased economic engagement with India. Funding includes $16 million to establish an Australia‑India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund to support cooperative projects targeted at reducing technical and regulatory barriers to trade.
Resettlement of non-citizens without rights to remain in Australia
The Government will provide funding to support resettlement in Nauru of non‑citizens released from immigration detention in Australia who do not have the right to remain in Australia, as part of the continuing response to the High Court decision in NZYQ v. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs & Anor.
Women’s Budget Statement
The Government has committed $925.2 million to establish the permanent Leaving Violence Program, starting on 1 July 2025. This program will provide critical support to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, including migrants regardless of visa status, through individualised financial support packages of up to $5,000 which will be indexed annually. Those eligible will have access to safety planning, risk assessments, and short-term referral support services for up to 12 weeks. The Leaving Violence Program is expected to provide financial support packages to approximately 36,000 victim-survivors each year.
