Dutton May Need to Target Backpackers to Deliver Promised Migration Cuts

Australia’s immigration debate is heating up once again. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised that, if elected, he will significantly reduce Australia’s migration intake. However, industry experts warn that to achieve this ambitious goal, Dutton may need to target one particular group: backpackers on working holiday visas.

Why Are Backpackers Under the Spotlight?

Backpackers, typically young travelers on Working Holiday Visas, have become an important part of Australia’s temporary migration landscape. They contribute significantly to industries such as agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, but their presence also adds pressure to the housing market and regional job markets.

Since the reopening of Australia’s borders post-pandemic, the number of backpackers has rapidly increased. For sectors desperate for labor, their return has been a relief. Yet, if Dutton is serious about slashing migration numbers quickly, restricting the intake of backpackers may be one of the few effective options available.

The Risks of Targeting Backpackers

However, tightening policies around backpackers comes with considerable risks.

Backpackers are a critical workforce for Australia’s agriculture, regional tourism, and hospitality industries. A sharp decline in their numbers could lead to labor shortages, higher business costs, and disruptions in the supply chain.

Moreover, the Working Holiday program also serves as a cultural exchange initiative, strengthening Australia’s ties with countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Restricting backpacker numbers could damage Australia’s image as an open, welcoming country.

A Difficult Balancing Act

If the future government moves to limit backpacker numbers, it will need to tread carefully between public pressure and economic demands.

Possible strategies could include raising application requirements, directing backpackers to specific regions, or setting more targeted intake caps — measures aimed at controlling numbers without severely harming key industries.

What This Means for Australia’s Future Migration Policy

The debate around backpackers highlights a long-standing tension in Australia’s migration system: the economy’s reliance on temporary migrants versus the strain on housing and infrastructure.

As the federal election approaches, immigration will undoubtedly remain a major political battleground. And unexpectedly, backpackers — often seen simply as tourists and adventurers — could find themselves at the center of a much larger national policy debate.

If you have any questions regarding your Australian visa application or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration. We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.