Australia tightens student visa rules amid high migration.
In a bid to manage record levels of migration and address concerns over housing affordability and exploitation in the education sector, Australia has announced significant changes to its student visa requirements.
These measures come amidst a surge in international student arrivals following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, putting pressure on rental markets across the country.
Increase in Visa Savings Requirement:
Effective from Friday, international students seeking visas for Australia will be required to demonstrate proof of savings amounting to at least A$29,710 ($19,576).
This marks the second increase in approximately seven months, with the previous threshold raised to A$24,505 from A$21,041 in October.
Australia tightens student visa rules:
These adjustments come in the wake of previous alterations to visa regulations, including heightened English language proficiency requirements and measures aimed at preventing students from prolonging their stay beyond the intended duration of their studies.
Crackdown on Fraudulent Recruitment Practices:
In a move to uphold the integrity of the international education sector, the government has issued warning letters to 34 education providers for engaging in “non-genuine or exploitative recruitment practices.”
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According to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, such practices could lead to imprisonment of up to two years and a ban on recruiting students if found guilty.
Government’s Stance:
Minister O’Neil emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating unscrupulous actors within the education sector, stating, “Dodgy providers have no place in our international education sector.”
She affirmed that these actions are essential to rooting out exploitation and preserving the reputation of Australia’s education industry.
Economic Impact:
International education is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, contributing A$36.4 billion ($24 billion) in the 2022/23 fiscal year.
However, the unprecedented influx of migrants, largely driven by international students, has led to soaring rental prices and strained infrastructure.
Migration Reduction Targets:
In response to mounting pressure, the government anticipates that its policies could halve Australia’s migrant intake over the next two years.
“We are significantly reducing migration levels – we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia’s history, outside of war or pandemic,” O’Neil said.
Skyrocketing student visa refusal by Home Affairs has led to a sharp decline in international students in Australia resulting in regional and smaller universities facing financial crisis. #Australia #studentlife pic.twitter.com/j72iLUI2gi
— Muhammad Irfan 🇦🇺🦘🇵🇰 (@IrfiLuck) May 2, 2024
