Australia Eliminates Covid Visa to Close Work Access Loophole

Introduction:

The Australian government has announced the closure of the Covid visa, ending a loophole that allowed former international students to access the jobs market. The decision, which will take effect from February 2024, aims to maintain Australia’s reputation as a quality international education destination. Existing pandemic event visa holders can still apply until September 2, with a charge of AUS$405. Peak bodies in the education sector have welcomed the move, as the visa has had a significant impact on the international education sector.

Full Article: Australia Eliminates Covid Visa to Close Work Access Loophole

Government to end Covid visa, closing loophole for former international students

An estimated 30% of individuals currently holding Covid visas in Australia are former international students, according to recent estimates. The government’s decision to close the visa from February 2024 has been hailed by peak bodies as a move that will help maintain Australia’s reputation as a top international education destination.

Visa closure to maintain Australia’s reputation

The decision to close the visa to all applicants starting from February 2024 is seen as a step to preserve the quality of international education in Australia. However, existing pandemic event visa holders can still apply for the visa until September 2, 2021. Additionally, a charge of AUS$405 will be introduced for new applicants.

“We’ve lobbied for the cessation of this visa extensively”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, acknowledged that the pandemic event visa was an important part of Australia’s visa system during the height of Covid-19. However, he emphasized that now is the time to provide an opportunity for those holding the visa to explore other visa options or plan to leave Australia. Giles also criticized the former government’s mismanagement of the migration system.

Peak bodies welcome the visa closure

Brett Blacker, CEO of English Australia, expressed delight at the government’s decision to cease the Covid 408 activity visa. He emphasized that the ELICOS sector, which focuses on short-term study programs, has been heavily utilized by students to gain access to the visa. The closure of the visa is expected to have a positive impact on the international education sector.

Phil Honeywood, CEO of IEAA, commended the government for this long overdue measure. He pointed out that the pandemic event visa had become a legacy problem inherited from the previous coalition government. Honeywood stressed the importance of maintaining Australia’s reputation as a quality international education destination.

Government urged to prioritize students’ needs

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) called on the government to end the practice of international students using the pandemic event visa to access full-time work opportunities. ITECA CEO Troy Williams stated that this situation is not in the best interest of students, as they come to Australia with the intention of completing their studies. ITECA emphasizes the need for a visa framework that supports students in fulfilling their course requirements.

Impact of recent policy decisions

The closure of the Covid visa follows several other policy decisions affecting the international education sector. Concurrent confirmation of enrolments, which allowed students to switch providers, has been abolished. The Australian Skills Quality Authority has also been granted more power to regulate unethical practices in the VET sector. Additionally, unlimited work hours for international students, introduced during the pandemic, have been discontinued.

Anticipated by the sector

The discontinuation of the 408 Covid visa has been anticipated and welcomed by the sector. Some English language schools have already witnessed students leaving their courses early to take up full-time work in Australia. It is seen as a positive step towards restoring the integrity of the international education system and ensuring that students prioritize their studies.

Additional reporting by Emily O’Callaghan.

Summary: Australia Eliminates Covid Visa to Close Work Access Loophole

Around 30% of the 100,000 individuals on Covid visas in Australia are former international students. The government’s decision to end the visa from February 2024 aims to maintain Australia’s reputation as a quality international education destination. The visa will only be open to existing visa holders from September 2 this year, and a charge of AUS$405 will be introduced. Peak bodies in the education sector have welcomed the decision, as it closes a loophole that has been used to access the job market.

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