In a move aimed at reshaping its international student landscape and cracking down on fraudulent practices, Australia has unveiled new visa requirements and issued stern warnings to educational institutions. This decision certainly signals a significant shift in Australia’s migration strategy. It will have implications for both prospective students and the education sector at large.
Australia Tightens Visa Requirements For International Students
This move was made public on Wednesday. It is a component of Australia’s larger plan to deal with the problems brought on by an increase in immigration. This is the second change in roughly seven months. As of Friday, foreign students applying for visas must now show that they have savings of at least A$29,710 ($19,576). This threshold increase also comes after the one made in October of the previous year when it was changed from A$21,041 to A$24,505.
These actions are a reaction to the increasing pressure on the rental market. The situation was certainly made worse by the wave of immigrants after the COVID-19 restrictions were loosened in 2022. The Times of India reports that the government has also increased the requirements for English language proficiency. They have also put in place measures to prevent indefinite stays in an effort to slow down this surge in student visa applications.
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Implementing Stricter Regulations
The Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil, emphasised the government’s efforts to combat dishonest hiring practices. The government reportedly sent strong warnings to 34 education providers who were allegedly involved in “non-genuine or exploitative” activities, according to a Times of India report. Such actions may result in up to two years in prison as well as prohibitions on new students.
According to O’Neil, “Western education is not the place for dubious providers.” These steps will assist in eliminating those in the industry who aim to take advantage of others and damage the industry’s reputation.
The international education sector is estimated to have contributed A$36.4 billion ($24 billion) to the economy in 2022–2023. But despite this, unprecedented migration has put a strain on infrastructure and resources, especially rental markets. It was largely caused by international students. In the year ending September 30, 2023, net immigration jumped by 60% to a record 548,800 persons.
In the next two years, the government expects these policies to result in a significant decrease in Australia’s immigration intake.
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