New visa rules will encourage Indian students

From the editor’s desk

The Australian government’s move that from July 1, 2023, Indian graduates from Australian tertiary institutions can apply to work in Australia for up to eight years, is a welcome one. The new visa rule follows the culmination of a bilateral agreement signed between India and Australia in May in 2023.The implementation of the agreement will benefit many Indian students who will now be able to study and support themselves financially with work in Australia. This is in keeping with the spirit of strong relations between Australia and India. One of the important features of this agreement is the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). The fact that this programme will give opportunities to 3,000 spots annually for young professionals from India to spend two years in Australia without needing a visa sponsorship is a great initiative that will encourage more aspiring students to arrive in Australia and study. Moreover, the top rankings which some of Australia’s universities have bagged in the QS University Rankings, will encourage more Indian students to come to Australia for studies.

Also, that Australians aiming to conduct research in India can now apply for an S-5 visa, granting them a stay in India for up to three years or for the duration of their research project is a right step in strengthening bilateral relations. More specifically, as media reports suggest, the MATES visa is a temporary visa programme that accommodates recent graduates from established and recognised Indian universities with degrees in specialised fields of study. These initiatives will go a long way in further strengthening Australia and India relations taking it to a new dimension.

In this connection, as media reports say, from July 1, 2023, international higher education graduates with requisite qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. This implies that now eligible international higher education graduates will benefit from an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate Visa. This important initiative is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas. This is certainly a welcome step in fortifying bilateral relations.

Australia has always been at the forefront of addressing the nation’s workforce requirements and the needs of those who offer their work for the benefit of the nation. This is precisely why Australia relaxed student visa work restrictions throughout the pandemic, which was subsequently removed in January 2022 to pave the way for primary and secondary student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight, a step that was taken with a view to dealing with workforce shortages.

But from July 1, work restrictions will be back for all student visa holders except those in the aged care sector, though it will now be capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight from an earlier cap of 40 hours. There is a well thought out plan for doing so. It is important that the student visa holders must focus on their education, along with being able to support themselves financially. Moreover, with studies they will also receive valuable work experience, which is of utmost importance these days for further employment. Also Australia’s workforce needs will be fulfilled, which is an added benefit for all.

Significantly, according to media reports, keeping in view the needs of this sector, the student visa holders who are already employed in the aged care sector as on May 9, 2023, can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until December 31, 2023. This is also a prudent step taken in the interest of this sector, as also in the interest of those who are working in this sector.

Australia’s approach to policy measures related to education, employment , healthcare and other pertinent sectors have always been keeping in view the interests of all those who are part of these sectors. The measures taken by the government has been both for fulfilling the needs of the present and also for the future. The country prioritizes education and employment, and India has a special place given the fact that Australia continues to be one of the favourite places where Indian students like to go in large numbers to enhance their career. The recent deals between Australia and India in the fields of education are setting the benchmark for more initiatives that will benefit both the countries. There is another advantage of such initiatives. As more youths reach Australia from India to study and work there, there is an opportunity for more people-to-people contact. This augurs well for Australia and India relations.