Record 432,000 migrants on bridging visas raise processing concerns
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
The number of people living in Australia on bridging visas has reached a record level, according to new government data.
Figures from the Department of Home Affairs show 432,300 people were holding bridging visas as of 31 March 2026, the highest number ever recorded. The total eased slightly to 419,682 in April.
Bridging visas are temporary visas that allow people to remain lawfully in Australia while their immigration status or visa application is being assessed.
The figures have reignited debate over migration management and visa processing times. Critics argue growing delays are leaving more people on temporary visas for longer periods, placing additional pressure on the immigration system.
Recent government data also revealed that more than 5,100 visas were cancelled over the past year, while 1,502 people were deported. Separate figures showed around 77,700 unlawful non-citizens were living in Australia, including approximately 25,000 people who had remained in the country without a valid visa for more than 10 years.
The Coalition has used the latest figures to criticise the government's handling of migration and border management, calling for a more efficient and orderly system.
Migration remains a key political issue ahead of future policy discussions. The Coalition has proposed significant reductions to migrant intake levels, while the government maintains that it is working through visa backlogs and managing increased demand across the migration program.
Current forecasts indicate Australia’s net overseas migration will total around 1.2 million people between 2025 and 2030, following revised projections that anticipate higher migration levels over the next two financial years.
Source : Sky News
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