KATHMANDU, Dec 15: Australia is gearing up to implement more stringent visa regulations affecting international students and low-skilled workers, aiming to reduce migrant intake by 50% over the next two years.

Under the impending rules, international students will face increased English proficiency test score requirements, and additional scrutiny will be applied to second visa applications, potentially leading to extended stays in Australia. The policy targets international students who have not actively contributed to Australia's skills market and economy, compelling them to return home. Prospective students planning to study in Australia will also encounter stricter entry requirements.

While Australia remains a top destination for Nepali students, the new policy measures have raised concerns among prospective and current students. In the last fiscal year 2022/23, 31,852 students out of 109,482 who obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign study chose Australia. From July 17 to December 2, 2023, an additional 6,970 students received NOCs for higher studies in Australia.

Experts believe the revised immigration policy will impact various groups, including prospective students from Nepal, current students in Australia, individuals attempting to convert tourist visas to student visas, and those exploiting loopholes for permanent settlement.

Kabita Ojha, Operation Head of AusStudies, said that the revised measures aim to curb immigration numbers and address misuse of the student visa system. She highlighted concerns about students switching to more affordable courses upon arrival, prompting the need for stricter policies.

This decision is in response to a projected surge in net immigration, expected to reach 510,000 in 2022-23, primarily driven by international students. Official data anticipate a decrease to approximately a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID-19 levels.

Under the new guidelines, prospective students must achieve a minimum test score of 6.5 in the English Language Test, up from the previous requirement of 6. Ojha emphasized the government's rationale, citing challenges faced by students with lower English proficiency in academic and employment settings.

Furthermore, the Australian government intends to grant visas based on criteria such as the student's contribution to the skill market, financial situation, and intent to return home after developing skills. Postgraduate students with temporary residence (TR) will no longer receive visas, impacting the previous pathway to Permanent Residency (PR).

Prakash Pandey, Immediate Past President of Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN), argued that academically and financially stable students genuinely interested in studying in Australia need not worry about the new policy measures. He further argued that the Australian government's goal to ensure only genuine students reach the country signals a focus on quality rather than a cessation of visa issuance.

 
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