Pauline Hanson Calls for Crackdown on Foreign Students Using Australia’s Asylum System

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has reignited the immigration debate, calling for stricter rules on international students and accusing some of exploiting Australia’s asylum and visa systems to remain in the country.

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has proposed sweeping changes to Australia’s immigration policies, arguing that foreign students who abandon their studies should be required to leave the country immediately rather than remain through bridging visas, appeals, or asylum applications.

In a media release issued on Tuesday, Hanson claimed that some international students are using student visas as a pathway to long-term residency without any genuine intention of completing their education.

According to the Queensland senator, students who discontinue their courses should be prevented from lodging appeals or asylum claims designed to prolong their stay in Australia.

Universities Accused of Chasing Revenue

Hanson also directed criticism at Australian universities, arguing that the higher education sector has become overly dependent on international student fees.

She said universities have become “addicted” to the revenue generated by foreign students and accused some institutions of turning a blind eye to abuses within the system.

The senator claimed that some students enrol in courses, drop out shortly afterwards, and then move between institutions while remaining in Australia on bridging visas that allow them to continue working and accessing services.

Rising Numbers Fuel Concerns

A key argument in Hanson’s proposal is the reported growth in the number of international students holding bridging visas.

According to figures cited in her statement, the number has increased from approximately 13,000 to more than 107,000 over the past three years.

Hanson argues that lengthy appeal processes and visa reviews can enable unsuccessful applicants to remain in Australia for years while pursuing additional legal avenues.

She also linked the issue to Australia’s ongoing housing crisis, claiming that rising migration levels have increased pressure on rental markets and public services.

One Nation’s Proposed Reforms

Under Hanson’s proposal:

• Students who abandon their studies would be required to leave Australia.
• New visa applications would need to be lodged from overseas.
• Asylum claims could not be used as a mechanism to extend a stay after a student visa fails.
• Access to appeals through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) would be restricted.
• Universities would face greater scrutiny over their recruitment and retention of international students.

A Debate That Will Continue

The comments come at a time when migration remains one of Australia’s most politically sensitive issues.

Supporters of tighter controls argue that lower migration levels could help ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. Critics, however, point out that international education is one of Australia’s largest export industries, contributing billions of dollars to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs.

Hanson’s latest intervention is likely to intensify the national debate over immigration, education, and Australia’s future migration strategy as policymakers grapple with balancing economic growth and public concerns.

Whether the proposal gains broader political support remains uncertain, but it has once again placed international students and migration policy at the centre of Australia’s political conversation.

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