Australia (Commonwealth)_
In the wake of the Australian government’s recent release of its Migration Strategy on December 11, 2023, concerns have emerged regarding the potential ramifications of the proclaimed eight key actions and over 25 new policy commitments. With a focus on immigration reform, questions loom over the ease of migrating to Australia, the potential tightening of the Permanent Resident program for highly skilled workers, and the impact on Indian students aspiring to study in Australian universities.
A significant reassurance for Indian students comes in the form of commitments outlined in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which took effect on December 29, 2022. The Australian High Commissioner, Philip Green, affirmed that these commitments would be upheld, ensuring that Indian graduates remain eligible for Temporary Graduate Visas based on their educational achievements. The ECTA explicitly states that Indian students completing diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs can apply for post-study work visas ranging from 18 months to four years.
The newly introduced Migration Strategy, according to Mamta Shekhawat, Founder of gradding.com, aims to crack down on non-genuine international students. Stringent language requirements now mandate a minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and a $19 million investment in the Home Affairs student visa integrity unit indicates increased scrutiny of documents. Shekhawat assures that genuine students need not worry about their prospects, emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation and foolproof risk assessment.
Despite speculations about a potential halving of the annual student intake by 2025, Shekhawat believes that well-prepared students with meticulous risk assessments can still secure visa approvals. The stringent measures for international students were already evident in the last quarter, signaling heightened document scrutiny compared to the post-COVID period when Australian universities initially reopened to international students.
Regarding the immediate impact on students already enrolled for the upcoming academic year, Mohammed Feezam, Marketing Director of Aives Australia, assures that the Australian government has not yet announced when the amended rules will take effect. Therefore, currently enrolled Indian students with confirmed admissions need not worry about any immediate changes.
To navigate the admission process successfully, brothers Rasheed Backer and Hiyas Backer, both registered Migration Agents under MARA, recommend engaging the services of MARA agents. These registered professionals can lawfully provide immigration assistance in Australia, ensuring that the application process adheres to legal requirements.
As for professionals planning to move to Australia for work, the Migration Strategy specifically targets temporary skilled migration to address skills needs and promote worker mobility. A forthcoming Skills in Demand visa, featuring specialized pathways and visa settings, is expected to make it easier for Australia to attract highly skilled workers, particularly in technology or green energy industries. A Core Skills Pathway will also be established to meet targeted workforce needs with a simplified, regularly updated occupation list.
Fazeem from Aives Australia anticipates that the new rules will streamline labor market testing and visa processing. However, clarity on the impact of the Migration Strategy on skilled professionals will only emerge after the announcement of migrant caps and further details on the implementation of the new pathways for skilled workers.
In conclusion, while the Australian Migration Strategy introduces substantial reforms, the commitments outlined in the Australia-India ECTA provide a reassuring foundation for Indian students. As the implementation of the strategy unfolds, careful consideration of the new requirements and collaboration with registered migration agents remain pivotal for aspiring students and skilled professionals looking to make Australia their destination of choice.
