New federal statistics reveal that work permit issuances under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) plummeted to just 2,615 in November 2025, marking the lowest monthly intake since early 2024.

This sharp decline follows commitments from federal ministers to "rebalance" the program in response to concerns over housing shortages and wage suppression.

While the program saw over 100,000 approvals annually during the post-pandemic peak of 2022–23, the government has since implemented sector-specific caps and phased out COVID-era flexibilities. Industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and food processing are currently feeling the greatest impact, with some employers reporting LMIA processing times exceeding 12 weeks.

As the government prepares a formal TFWP reform package for the 2026 federal budget, businesses are being encouraged to explore alternative pathways, such as the Global Talent Stream or intra-company transfers.

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