Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance acknowledges the Migration Institute of Australia’s (MIA) press release calling for stronger support for international students. We fully recognise the immense contributions international students make to Australia's economy, cultural diversity, and educational sector. As the fourth-largest export industry, international education generates approximately $50 billion annually for the Australian economy and provides significant cultural enrichment to our communities.

Migration Alliance shares MIA's enthusiasm for supporting international students, and we believe it is crucial to strike a balance between supporting international students and ensuring that Australia’s immigration system remains robust and effective in managing its national interests.

Ensuring a balanced approach to immigration and student welfare

We support the ongoing positive contributions international students make to Australia, but we must remain mindful of maintaining strong immigration controls to protect the integrity of the system. It is vital to ensure that visa holders are genuine students and are adhering to the conditions of their visas. This is crucial to prevent any exploitation or misuse of the system, ensuring that Australia remains competitive while safeguarding national security and maintaining the quality of our education system.

International education remains an asset to Australia, but the immigration system must continue to be managed properly to avoid overburdening infrastructure, housing, and the labour market. While international students are an important part of addressing critical workforce shortages, it is essential to ensure that the work rights provided do not overshadow the needs of Australians seeking employment. It’s important to strike a fair balance between supporting international students and ensuring that local workers are prioritised in key sectors.

Addressing the housing crisis with practical solutions

Migration Alliance agrees with MIA’s position that international students should not be unfairly blamed for the housing crisis. However, the housing situation in Australia requires a comprehensive national strategy that includes more purpose-built student accommodation. While international students should have access to housing, it is vital that the broader housing market is not negatively impacted by competition for rental properties.

We recommend that greater collaboration between universities, private developers, and government be established to create more affordable and accessible housing solutions for international students. Additionally, universities could play a more proactive role in assisting students with finding or providing accommodation that doesn’t contribute to increased competition in the general rental market.

Supporting international students in the workforce

We also support the view that international students play an essential role in addressing labour shortages in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and retail. The current allowance of 48 hours per fortnight is crucial for providing students with opportunities to gain work experience, while simultaneously contributing to sectors facing significant labour shortages.

However, it is important to ensure that students are not overburdened with work commitments that might interfere with their studies. Furthermore, work rights should be carefully managed to ensure that international students are able to work in industries that genuinely require additional workers, without compromising the opportunities available for local Australian job seekers.

Visa charges and maintaining Australia’s competitiveness

Visa charges for international students must be carefully regulated to ensure that Australia remains an attractive destination for study. While we agree with the sentiment in MIA’s press release regarding the risk of unwelcome visa charge hikes, we also believe that any increase in visa costs should be transparent and justified, reflecting the true economic contributions of international students.

Additionally, processing times for student visas should be reduced to ensure efficiency and provide students with the certainty they need to plan their studies and life in Australia. Long delays or lack of transparency can create unnecessary stress for students and hinder their ability to integrate into Australia’s educational system smoothly.

A comprehensive and collaborative approach

We believe that a collaborative approach where government, universities, private sector partners, and international students themselves all work together, is crucial for achieving a long-term sustainable strategy for supporting international students. A strong partnership between these sectors will ensure that the students’ needs are met while maintaining the integrity of the Australian education system.

To achieve this, we call for targeted policies that:

• Provide more affordable and purpose-built accommodation options for international students.

• Ensure clear pathways for students to transition from education to employment, especially in critical sectors.

• Maintain strong immigration policies that uphold the integrity of the visa system, while supporting genuine international students who contribute positively to Australia’s workforce and society.

Conclusion: Moving forward together

Migration Alliance is committed to ensuring that international students are welcomed and supported in Australia, but we also understand the importance of maintaining a fair, transparent, and well-managed immigration system.  By adopting a holistic approach, we can create an environment where international students can thrive, contribute to the Australian economy, and benefit from the educational opportunities available to them.

We support universities and other stakeholders shaping policies that support both international students and the broader community in a way that ensures mutual benefit and sustainable growth for all.

Source: MIA-Joins-calls-to-support-international-students.pdf