One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said Australia doesn’t need any more Uber drivers, nail technicians or dog walkers migrating from overseas.

‘It’s been an absolute scam, we’ve allowed these people in,’ she said.

‘Why bring in so many people that don’t fit the needs that we want in Australia? We don’t need any more Uber drivers, nail technicians, dog walkers. These people gone. Stop all that.’

In an interview with News24 host Laura Jayes, Hanson said Australia was being overwhelmed by high migration levels and called for annual permanent migration to be capped at 130,000 people. 

Asked if she was in favour of changing to the skills list for visa approvals, she said: ‘The skills list. Very, very important. Who is going to ruin the country? Doctors, nurses, engineers – those people that are going to benefit our country.’  

Hanson argued Australia needed to slow migration growth to ease pressure on housing and infrastructure.

‘At the moment, we are overwhelmed. We need to have a breather,’ she said.

‘I’m not saying 130,000 permanently on the books forever. Let’s review it every year.’

Pauline Hanson (pictured) called for permanent migration to be reduced to 130,000 annually

The federal government’s 2026-27 permanent Migration Program remains set at 185,000 places, with most visas allocated to skilled migrants.

Under current settings, 132,240 places, about 71 per cent of the program,  are earmarked for skilled migration, including employer-sponsored and independent skilled visa holders.

A further 52,460 places go to family visas, while 300 spots are reserved for people in special circumstances.

Hanson argued the program was failing to deliver enough workers in fields facing the most pressing shortages, despite the focus on skilled migration.

‘Doctors, nurses, engineers, those people that are going to benefit our country,’ she said.

The One Nation leader said Australia should prioritise migrants whose skills directly boost the economy and help address workforce shortages, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering and construction.

Hanson claimed too few migrants were entering occupations critical to solving the housing crisis, citing figures she said showed only a small proportion of arrivals worked in the building sector.

‘Only 1,800 were in the construction industry,’ she said, arguing Australia was not attracting enough tradespeople and builders to meet rising demand for housing.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) said the current skilled migration list was not working for Australia

Hanson also took aim at Australia’s international student program, questioning why some foreign students could bring family members with them while studying.

‘You’re here to study. If you don’t want to be away from your partner or family, do an online course,’ Hanson said.

‘But no, they’re allowed to bring in their families. That’s a strain on our infrastructure.’

Despite her push for lower permanent migration, Hanson said she would still allow backpackers and other temporary visa holders into Australia.

‘We would still allow for backpackers, those workers coming to Australia, those ones that will be here for a short period of time,’ she said.