Australia is bracing for potential fare increases as the opposition party proposes stricter enforcement of work rights for international students. The plan centers on the Home Affairs Department actively preventing students from engaging in work within the gig economy, where they may be violating visa conditions. This crackdown aims to address concerns about exploitation and ensure students prioritize their studies. However, industries reliant on this workforce may face labor shortages, potentially driving up costs for consumers. The opposition argues this measure will protect Australian workers and maintain the integrity of the student visa program. Experts suggest the move could significantly impact businesses accustomed to utilizing readily available, lower-cost student labor, ultimately increasing prices across various sectors in Australia.