We are living in a world where nothing is completely perfect. Be it our home, or our country, there will never be a single rule that suits everyone. The same theory applies to the immigration sector. Governments frame a rule to fix an issue, but some other problems start erupting with it. A lot is happening around the Migration Strategy being planned out by the Australian government.
A few days back we discussed the stress that Australian universities are in by the high visa rejection rate. The Australian government and the universities are in a difficult position, and a solution is dearly sought after. The concept of institutions’ risk rating and the government rules on student visas are not finding peace with each other.
Universities Australia (UA), an organisation representing universities in Australia, has struck some cords on visa issues that are loud enough to pay attention to. The concerns of the education sector in the country are valid and UA has discussed things with the government at every opportunity.
The Australian government has paused any further changes on the evidence level and has given the assurance that new changes will be made only after consulting the education sector. Plus some interim changes have also been made in the internal resourcing to ensure that there is balance across the sector with the recent processing changes. We have already discussed what is evidence level and how Australian universities are affected by it.
Is It Right to Hold Institutions Accountable for Visa Rejection?
The government’s decision to pause the changes makes sense considering the inconsistency and lack of transparency that was observed ever since new decisions were made on Student Guardian Visa applications and offshore Subclass 500 (student) visa applications.
Plus, the genuine temporary entrant test is being replaced by the government with a new Genuine Student Test (GST). It is possible that universities may not get fair treatment as a system is being replaced. It will be better to re-calibrate the levels that grade these institutions.
The government knows and understands that funds are needed to run a country, and exporting education has a major share in this funding. By framing rules that increase visa rejection they are ultimately reducing this major source of income. If they feel that the country can be run with reduced funds, then their numbers are certainly incorrect.
At the wrong end of this tussle between the government and the institutions are the international students. Even though they are sole financial contributors, they have the least say in this sort of love triangle. Rather than suffering and risking their career due to this tussle, they may give their love for Australia to some other country. So, it is important for authorities to make a definitive decision regarding the issuance of visas to international students.
The Need to Raise the Agenda
The Australian government must have rationalised everything with a justification that they are bringing down net immigration. Attention was given, only when the situation was actively discussed. The need for fair treatment for students aspiring to pursue education in Australia and universities enrolling them was hanging in the balance.
With further changes put on hold amid all the concerns raised, we are quite hopeful that things will now move for the benefit of everyone involved. Changes in risk rating are expected to be communicated in the coming days and we are positive that institutions will be spared from the gruelling risk assessment they are put through. To find out how to get a positive assessment for visa processing, talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh.
Save the Sinking Ship
There is no urgency but we are nearing it, and if all the holes are not plugged the immigration ship may sink. The concerns raised on immigration changes have been acknowledged and we are very hopeful for a lot of positivity. The huge education export industry and its contribution towards Australia’s economy just cannot be overlooked. Till the time it happens, tread carefully and apply for a student visa only after the right guidance, and talk to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh.
