Australia has announced new migration measures that will restrict the ability of many international students and temporary graduates to bring their partners and children to the country.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the migration reform package on September 17, saying the changes would tighten rules governing temporary visas and limit secondary applicants on most student visa categories.

Under the new measures, international students and holders of Temporary Graduate visas will no longer be able to automatically bring their spouses, de facto partners or dependent children to Australia. Instead, family members will face additional visa requirements under the revised arrangements.

Australia has long been one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking to study and gain work experience abroad. Under the previous arrangements, students who met the relevant visa requirements could generally be accompanied by a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children.

The government said the reforms are part of a broader effort to strengthen Australia's temporary migration system and ensure that temporary visa arrangements are managed in line with the country's migration priorities.

The changes are expected to affect international students and recent graduates who had planned to relocate to Australia with their families while pursuing their studies or gaining professional experience.

Further details on the implementation of the revised visa rules, including which student and Temporary Graduate visa holders will be affected and when the changes will take effect, are expected from Australia's Department of Home Affairs. (ILKHA)