The incoming Australian government is facing a huge processing backlog in spouse visa applications, which is reported to be nearing 100,000. As the Albanese administration maintains its current permanent migration numbers, concerns grow over the implications for families waiting for reunification. The UK government has already acted to allow British and Irish backpackers to stay longer — for an additional year. Yet the spouse visa backlog of almost 180,000 unprocessed spouse visas is set to undermine all these positive measures.
Alan Gamlen, an expert in the field of migration at Australia National University, expressed the urgent necessity to deal with the spouse visa processing delays. He argues that the government’s decision to keep permanent residency numbers unchanged this financial year may inadvertently break the law by failing to process visa applications timely. Gamlen emphasizes that “it’s a long-term issue that needs to be addressed because the government, in order to maintain a steady permanent program level, is breaking the law, essentially, by failing to process spouse visas.”
Migration Trends and Backlogs
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic crippled Australia’s international mobility, our net migration levels have had a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Once net migration dropped below zero in early 2020, the country wasted little time getting their ducks back in a row. It saw a rapid reacceleration of migrant arrivals. As of 2023, net migration reached historic numbers, above a half million people annually. But forecasts expect it to drop to 255,000 this year as Australia comes to terms with a new global order.
Abul Rizvi, a former immigration department deputy secretary, believes that the accumulating backlog of spouse visa applications could lead to legal repercussions for the government. He predicts a huge class action suit against the federal government by those who are harmed. Rizvi states that “they’re kicking the problem down the road, but the problem gets bigger every year.” The new sentiment is emblematic of the mounting frustration felt by so many families divided by languished visa processing.
The family visa program currently allows just over 50,000 visas annually, significantly below the demand from family members of Australian residents. As more people wait to apply for a visa, the chasm between supply and demand grows ever wider.
Government Actions and Future Projections
Despite challenges in processing spouse visas, the Albanese government has made efforts to support specific groups within the migrant community. British and Irish backpackers can now remain in Australia for an additional year, aimed at bolstering the economy and filling labor shortages in various sectors.
The Morrison government’s pandemic policies helped many temp workers to arrange for longer stays. This decision played a big role in the increase in net migration. Australia is beginning the transition from crisis mode. Going forward, it needs to further recalibrate its immigration system to better match current and permanent needs.
Looking ahead, the number of migrants granted permanent residency will remain stable this financial year, with 185,000 permanent visas available in 2025-26. Yet, as the backlog persists and net migration trends shift, analysts warn that without substantial reforms, Australia may struggle to meet the needs of its migrant population.
Implications for Families and the Labor Market
Annual quotas and a worsening backlog mean it is taking years for families to be reunited in Australia on a spouse visa. As more people line up, the emotional and financial stress can quickly add up. The injustices of the status quo will continue to raise the volume of cries for change from civil rights advocacy organizations and aggrieved family members.
Australia needs to be aware of the effects that its immigration policies have on labor markets. Net migration is destined to decline this year, having reached all-time highs. Should visa processing delays persist, businesses may face increasing difficulty locating the workers they require.
