The Government’s latest migration reforms have delivered another unwelcoming blow to potential international students seeking to invest their skills and talent into Australia.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Universities Network Alec Webb said today’s announcement to restrict the family visas of future international students has made Australia a less attractive destination for top global talent.
“Today’s announcement is the latest retrograde step in a broader string of Government decisions that undermine Australia’s economic and social interests.
“Australia’s world-leading international education export industry took decades to build, yet it has taken only a handful of shortsighted decisions to dismantle.
“By intentionally reducing the attractiveness of Australia as a leading destination for top global talent to work and study, we are actively undermining our own future prosperity,” said Mr Webb.
Regional Australia is experiencing acute shortages of skilled graduates to provide the services and support for regional communities to thrive.
“The regions are looking to skilled international graduates to play a greater – not a lesser – role in meeting these skills shortages.
“Today’s announcement will ultimately impact regional communities,” Mr Webb said.
The Regional Universities Network acknowledges and welcomes the Government’s decision to exclude the family visas of international post-graduate research students, and students from Pacific and ASEAN countries, from today’s announcement of visa restrictions.
The Regional Universities Network also acknowledges the positive steps being taken to address the issues linked to international students shifting courses.
“The Regional Universities Network supports regulatory changes that disincentivise high-risk, non-university actors from undermining the high integrity of Australia’s world-leading international education sector.
“The Regional Universities Network have consistently worked with Government and the sector to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s international education system, including measures that deter the poaching of students and course-hopping behaviour,” said Mr Webb.
For media enquiries:
Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736
MIGRATION REFORMS DIMINISH AUSTRALIA’S ATTRACTIVENESS FOR TOP GLOBAL TALENT