In a development that has sent shockwaves through Australian politics, a leaked immigration policy from the ousted Liberal leader Sussan Ley has revealed plans to ban migrants from specific regions of 13 countries, including Gaza and Somalia. This aggressive stance comes in the wake of Ley’s abrupt removal from her leadership position, as the party grapples with its identity and direction under new leader Angus Taylor.
A Stricter Immigration Agenda
The controversial immigration plan, which was initially scheduled for release in December 2025, was reportedly delayed due to the Bondi terror attack. Ley had intended to unveil the policy on 16 February, aiming to pressure the government on immigration issues before her leadership was usurped by Taylor. The proposed policy outlines a ban on migrants from designated regions within Afghanistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Somalia, and Yemen—areas noted for being under the control of terrorist organisations.
Sources indicate that Taylor, who has made immigration a cornerstone of his leadership, had not previously reviewed Ley’s plan. The new opposition leader has made it clear that maintaining rigorous immigration standards will be a priority, asserting that current numbers are too high and standards alarmingly low.
A Drastic Approach to Asylum Seekers
The leaked policy does not merely propose entry bans; it suggests an aggressive approach to the removal of up to 100,000 asylum seekers and international students from Australia. The plan could severely limit the rights of visa holders to appeal immigration decisions, effectively closing the door on many who seek refuge or education in Australia. Under Ley’s framework, there would be a stringent focus on vetting potential migrants, including scrutinising their social media activity for any extremist ideologies.
As of late January 2026, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was handling over 50,000 appeals related to study visa decisions and had more than 48,000 appeals from rejected asylum seekers. The ART’s backlog highlights the challenges faced by individuals navigating Australia’s immigration system.
Political Rhetoric Intensifies
Angus Taylor’s ascension to leadership has ushered in a more hardline rhetoric on immigration, which some party insiders expect will further polarise the debate. One senior Liberal MP suggested that Taylor would intensify the party’s messaging, capitalising on Ley’s already stringent proposals to further reduce permanent and student visas, as well as net overseas migration figures.
The Liberal Party is currently contemplating whether to set a specific target for net overseas migration, potentially lowering it to between 160,000 and 220,000. This figure stands in stark contrast to the government’s current permanent migration programme target of 185,000 for 2025-26, while net overseas migration is projected to surge to 260,000 in the same timeframe.
Implications of the New Policy
With the recent amendments to the Migration Act, which were enacted following the Bondi attack, authorities now possess expanded powers to refuse and cancel visas based on individuals’ social media statements that propagate hate. The Liberal Party’s proposed approach would go even further, suggesting a significant shift in how immigration is managed in Australia.
As Taylor prepares to announce his new shadow cabinet, including expected appointments such as Tim Wilson as shadow treasurer, the political landscape remains fraught with tension. The party faces a critical challenge: how to balance stringent immigration controls with the principles of humanitarianism and economic necessity.
Why it Matters
The implications of this leaked immigration policy extend far beyond party politics; they resonate deeply within the fabric of Australian society. As the nation grapples with its identity in a rapidly changing world, the proposed measures raise urgent questions about inclusivity, human rights, and the moral responsibilities of a nation built on immigration. With public sentiment increasingly divided, the Liberal Party’s hardline stance could fracture its support base and further polarise the national conversation on immigration and asylum.
