Abul Rizvi
@abulrizvi.bsky.social
Interested in population and immigration policy. Father of 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. Collingwood supporter since 1968.
Boom in WHMs largely due to changes made by Coalition Govt. Significantly reducing NOM requires undoing those changes. But that largely requires renegotiating agreements with a lot of Govts around the world. Nationals won’t agree to any restrictions on WHMs. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Backpacker boom: Brits lead surge in working holiday visas
Australia is issuing a record number of working holiday visas, with UK backpackers taking advantage of Morrison-era rule changes.
www.smh.com.au
November 23, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Boom in WHMs largely due to changes made by Coalition Govt. Significantly reducing NOM requires undoing those changes. But that largely requires renegotiating agreements with a lot of Govts around the world. Nationals won’t agree to any restrictions on WHMs. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
This headline is untrue. Comyn was referring to a migration program of 180k compared to current 185k. That would make negligible difference to housing demand. More importantly he referred to ‘predictable’ levels of immigration. We don’t have that. www.9news.com.au/national/com...
CBA boss calls for migration cut to help address housing crisis
www.9news.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This headline is untrue. Comyn was referring to a migration program of 180k compared to current 185k. That would make negligible difference to housing demand. More importantly he referred to ‘predictable’ levels of immigration. We don’t have that. www.9news.com.au/national/com...
While the numbers involved are small, this is really poor practice as it misleads the public on the level of permanent migration.
Canberra sidesteps transparency by leaving thousands of visas off the books
A quiet visa carve-out leaves thousands of permanent residents uncounted, while the Government insists nothing has changed.
independentaustralia.net
November 18, 2025 at 5:14 AM
While the numbers involved are small, this is really poor practice as it misleads the public on the level of permanent migration.
While I agree with the decision, I cannot recall a s501 cancellation (not refusal) based on political belief (assuming Nazis aren’t a designated terrorist org). If decision personally made by minister, it can’t be appealed to ART. He must go to Fed Court.
'Time to go home': South African man who attended Neo-Nazi rally has visa cancelled
The federal government has revoked the visa of a man who attended the far-right National Socialist Network protest at NSW's parliament house.
www.abc.net.au
November 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
While I agree with the decision, I cannot recall a s501 cancellation (not refusal) based on political belief (assuming Nazis aren’t a designated terrorist org). If decision personally made by minister, it can’t be appealed to ART. He must go to Fed Court.
Similar to situation in OZ (just bigger), US has 3.8m deportation cases on hand (will grow rapidly with extra $US100billion for ICE) & only 800 immigration judges & 100,000 extra detention beds. Trump’s deportation agenda was always going to be a quagmire. www.migrationpolicy.org/research/dys...
Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunction at the U.S. Immigration Courts
The U.S. immigration court system faces an unprecedented crisis, with nearly 3.8 million pending cases as of mid-2025. This years-long backlog has undermined both timely immigration enforcement and gr...
www.migrationpolicy.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Similar to situation in OZ (just bigger), US has 3.8m deportation cases on hand (will grow rapidly with extra $US100billion for ICE) & only 800 immigration judges & 100,000 extra detention beds. Trump’s deportation agenda was always going to be a quagmire. www.migrationpolicy.org/research/dys...
Strong labour market will mean net migration is unlikely to fall to 260,000 in 25-26 as forecast by Treasury. But it wont increase to well over 400,000 as suggested by the IPA. www.abs.gov.au/media-centre...
Unemployment rate falls to 4.3%
www.abs.gov.au
November 13, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Strong labour market will mean net migration is unlikely to fall to 260,000 in 25-26 as forecast by Treasury. But it wont increase to well over 400,000 as suggested by the IPA. www.abs.gov.au/media-centre...
These people have learned nothing about the difference between NPLT & net migration. But they have no interest in learning when peddling shit to One Nation types is the objective.
‘Out of control’ migration alarms experts
Australia is seeing record-breaking levels of permanent and long-term migrant arrivals, with numbers in 2025 already surpassing previous highs, the Institute of Public Affairs says.
www.news.com.au
November 12, 2025 at 10:21 PM
These people have learned nothing about the difference between NPLT & net migration. But they have no interest in learning when peddling shit to One Nation types is the objective.
Even if CBO estimates of additional deportations due to $US100B funding are too low by 100%, that will make Trump angry given his promise to deport 10m-20m people. Perhaps it was always just about brutality, scaremongering & feeding his base? independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Congressional Budget Office estimates of deportations will make Trump angry
The CBO’s latest projections expose the gap between Trump’s tough talk on deportations and the far smaller numbers experts expect he can deliver.
independentaustralia.net
November 10, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Even if CBO estimates of additional deportations due to $US100B funding are too low by 100%, that will make Trump angry given his promise to deport 10m-20m people. Perhaps it was always just about brutality, scaremongering & feeding his base? independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
While merits of Canada’s longterm immigration program are debatable, the fact they have a longterm plan & are delivering it shows arguments of OZ govt against such planning are just silly. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Unlike Australia, Canada continues to implement its long-term immigration plan
Canada’s steady approach to immigration reform shows that long-term planning, not ad hoc reactions, delivers stability even in uncertain times.
independentaustralia.net
November 7, 2025 at 5:49 AM
While merits of Canada’s longterm immigration program are debatable, the fact they have a longterm plan & are delivering it shows arguments of OZ govt against such planning are just silly. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
After 18 months of decline, signs are for a major rebound in offshore student applications. But what will that mean for net migration & the permanent migration program? Both major parties refuse to commit to a longterm migration plan. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Student visa surge signals migration rebound despite policy tightening
A late policy crackdown hasn’t stopped public universities from fuelling a fresh wave of overseas student arrivals — and Australia’s migration numbers are set to rise again.
independentaustralia.net
November 3, 2025 at 5:33 AM
After 18 months of decline, signs are for a major rebound in offshore student applications. But what will that mean for net migration & the permanent migration program? Both major parties refuse to commit to a longterm migration plan. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Total temp entrants in OZ at end Sept set a new record for end of any quarter at 2.905m. At end Sept22, it was 2.136m; at end Sept23 it was 2.626m; at end Sept24 it was 2.780m. After a weak June quarter for temp entrants, Sept was strong.
October 30, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Total temp entrants in OZ at end Sept set a new record for end of any quarter at 2.905m. At end Sept22, it was 2.136m; at end Sept23 it was 2.626m; at end Sept24 it was 2.780m. After a weak June quarter for temp entrants, Sept was strong.
Huge partner application backlog is due to blow out in net migration & illegal restriction of partner places. No easy way out of this political/legal mess. Needs a longterm plan to manage both net and permanent migration. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
We need a holistic, long-term plan to manage immigration
While the stock of temporary entrants remains large, the pressure to expand the permanent migration program will only grow.
independentaustralia.net
October 29, 2025 at 4:27 AM
Huge partner application backlog is due to blow out in net migration & illegal restriction of partner places. No easy way out of this political/legal mess. Needs a longterm plan to manage both net and permanent migration. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
If you keep misrepresenting what the actual level of immigration is, as the Murdoch press has been doing, is this any surprise?
Immigration levels rivalling cost of living as Australia’s top policy concern
Former assistant Treasury secretary David Pearl discusses how Australia’s immigration levels are currently rivalling cost of living. “There’s no doubt that temporary migration has been running very hot since Covid, mainly due to universities taking in thousands and thousands of overseas students,” Mr Pearl told Sky News host Sharri Markson. “There’s no doubt that’s put pressure on rents and it’s added to the congestion in our cities.”
www.skynews.com.au
October 25, 2025 at 4:07 AM
If you keep misrepresenting what the actual level of immigration is, as the Murdoch press has been doing, is this any surprise?
Under current policy, hard to see net migration falling much below 300,000 without a much weaker labour market. Coalition’s promised net migration of 160,000 would require brave policy changes plus very weak labour market. www.afr.com/policy/econo...
Labor to overshoot migration forecast by 15pc
The decision to upgrade the risk ratings of 13 universities to speed up international student visa processing will add to migrant numbers.
www.afr.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Under current policy, hard to see net migration falling much below 300,000 without a much weaker labour market. Coalition’s promised net migration of 160,000 would require brave policy changes plus very weak labour market. www.afr.com/policy/econo...
A surprising 51 asylum applications in Sept25 from UK nationals. May just be WHMs trying to extend stay with work rights.
October 21, 2025 at 2:40 AM
A surprising 51 asylum applications in Sept25 from UK nationals. May just be WHMs trying to extend stay with work rights.
A good overview of the recent misunderstandings about what is happening to net migration. www.afr.com/policy/econo...
Mass migration or three-year low? Clearing up the data confusion
The government says net migration is declining, while protesters claim the opposite. Who is right? It comes down to the interpretation of two different ABS measures.
www.afr.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:37 AM
A good overview of the recent misunderstandings about what is happening to net migration. www.afr.com/policy/econo...
Burke is right to say net migration is hard to manage but that is not an excuse to not set a longterm net migration target range & establish a policy framework to manage to that. The void just opens the door to extremism. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Burke says there’s ‘not a magic number’ in immigration debate
The home affairs minister acknowledged Australians were “deeply feeling the housing shortage” while lashing the opposition for taking a fact-free approach to public debate.
www.smh.com.au
October 17, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Burke is right to say net migration is hard to manage but that is not an excuse to not set a longterm net migration target range & establish a policy framework to manage to that. The void just opens the door to extremism. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
There was buckley’s chance she could have won this appeal. Her lawyers would have told her that. She just wasted her money. www.news.com.au/national/cou...
www.news.com.au
October 15, 2025 at 5:35 AM
There was buckley’s chance she could have won this appeal. Her lawyers would have told her that. She just wasted her money. www.news.com.au/national/cou...
Crucial immigration policy qyestion is when net migration will stop falling & at what level? Quite likely net migrstion will stop falling in 2025 & at well above pre-pandemic levels. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Immigration pressures build as net migration stabilises
Treasury forecasts suggest Australia’s migration decline may soon hit its floor and could settle well above pre-pandemic levels, setting the stage for a heated political battle.
independentaustralia.net
October 15, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Crucial immigration policy qyestion is when net migration will stop falling & at what level? Quite likely net migrstion will stop falling in 2025 & at well above pre-pandemic levels. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
DHA says backlog of partner visa apps is 98,000 (beating Dutton’s record). With 40,500 planning level in 25-26 & new apps in 25-26 of 60,000, backlog will keep growing despite law requiring these to be processed on a demand driven basis. A class action now seems inevitable.
October 10, 2025 at 7:14 AM
DHA says backlog of partner visa apps is 98,000 (beating Dutton’s record). With 40,500 planning level in 25-26 & new apps in 25-26 of 60,000, backlog will keep growing despite law requiring these to be processed on a demand driven basis. A class action now seems inevitable.
While govt may not have assisted their return, the ISIS brides would have been on Movment Alert List so DHA & relevant law enforcement orgs would have known when they boarded a plane to OZ & when they landed. Ministers would have been advised. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
As Europe falls to the far right, Hastie and Ley are at odds about what it means for the Liberals
Immigration, an issue that should be problematic for a centre-left Albanese government, is instead bedevilling his conservative opponents.
www.smh.com.au
October 8, 2025 at 8:52 PM
While govt may not have assisted their return, the ISIS brides would have been on Movment Alert List so DHA & relevant law enforcement orgs would have known when they boarded a plane to OZ & when they landed. Ministers would have been advised. www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
If child of an OZ citizen applies for citizenship by decent, on what legal basis could that be refused? If that child applies for a passport, on what legal basis could that be refused? Seems critics of this have contempt for OZ law.
Albanese government accused of assisting ISIS brides’ return to Australia
The Albanese government has been accused of undeniably assisting ISIS brides to return to Australia, despite repeated assertions they travelled home of their own accord.
www.skynews.com.au
October 7, 2025 at 8:13 AM
If child of an OZ citizen applies for citizenship by decent, on what legal basis could that be refused? If that child applies for a passport, on what legal basis could that be refused? Seems critics of this have contempt for OZ law.
I’ll be in Sydney Radio (2GB) tonight at 8.30pm discussing implications of the bridging visa backlog growing from 100k about 10 years ago to 400k today.
October 7, 2025 at 3:49 AM
I’ll be in Sydney Radio (2GB) tonight at 8.30pm discussing implications of the bridging visa backlog growing from 100k about 10 years ago to 400k today.
Sorry tale of time & cost blow outs of OZ’s newest & biggest gas fired power station. It will be far less responsive than any big battery. Yet we are expected to believe much more complex nuclear power stations will be built on time & budget? reneweconomy.com.au/the-abject-s...
reneweconomy.com.au
October 6, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Sorry tale of time & cost blow outs of OZ’s newest & biggest gas fired power station. It will be far less responsive than any big battery. Yet we are expected to believe much more complex nuclear power stations will be built on time & budget? reneweconomy.com.au/the-abject-s...
Recent JSA report provides an excelkent basis for reform of immigration policy, inc delivery of PM’s promise to get net migration to pre pandemic levels & deal with the rising pressures on the permanent Migration Program. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Government report provides a strong basis for immigration reform
Australia’s student visa system is feeding permanent migration at double the rate Treasury assumed.
independentaustralia.net
October 2, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Recent JSA report provides an excelkent basis for reform of immigration policy, inc delivery of PM’s promise to get net migration to pre pandemic levels & deal with the rising pressures on the permanent Migration Program. independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...