Australia : No More Unlimited Work Hours for Students

Australia : In a significant development, Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Andrew Giles, has unveiled plans to phase out the Pandemic Event Visa (408) by February 2024, affecting over 20,000 foreign students who have relied on this visa for employment opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The visa, often referred to simply as the 408, was initially introduced to address the challenges faced by international students stranded in Australia due to travel restrictions, enabling them to work legally and sustain themselves.

The Rise and Impact of the 408 Visa

The 408 visa became a lifeline for international students, with the majority of them availing themselves of this opportunity when it was reopened at the end of 2021. Astonishingly, a mere 3,000 students held the 408 visas in 2021 when Australia’s borders were tightly sealed. However, this number surged to over 17,000 in 2022 when international students could come and go without restrictions.

Notably, the 408 visa also permitted international students to apply for occupations they were previously ineligible for, aiming to alleviate workforce shortages in vital sectors of the Australian economy.

Closing the Door: Why Now?

Minister Giles, in a joint media release, explained that the decision to phase out the 408 visa stemmed from the fact that the circumstances necessitating its creation were no longer applicable. “Now that the conditions that drove the operation of the visa are no longer present,” Giles stated, “this move will provide integrity to our visa system.”

Under the new directive, only current holders of Pandemic Event visas will be allowed to apply for the visa extension until the February 2024 deadline. All other visa holders will be deemed ineligible. The minister emphasized that the visa policy was essential during the pandemic, as foreigners on transitory visas played a significant role in supporting Australia during those challenging times. Those currently holding Pandemic Event visas are urged to explore alternative visa options or make travel arrangements outside Australia.

Minister Giles also criticized the previous administration’s handling of the migration system, asserting that the system was ineffective under the Liberals and lacked a strategy for reopening borders. He stated, “We’ve brought wait times down, and we’re working to make sure our migration system is working again for all Australians after a decade of mess and mismanagement under the Liberals.”

Australia Government Balancing Work and Study

As part of this new policy, the Australian government not only eliminated the 408 visa but also raised the required savings amount for overseas students to qualify for a visa by 17%. International students are now required to demonstrate that they possess $24,505 in savings. The government’s rationale behind this hike is to ensure that students have sufficient financial resources to support their education without having to engage in excessive work hours or work for unethical employers.

Moreover, the number of hours international students can work while studying has been limited to 48 per week, representing an increase from the pre-pandemic limit of 40 hours. However, this restriction has raised concerns among some international students, who fear it may place them in challenging financial situations.

Also Read : Student Visa : Processing Time Reduced to 16 Days In Australia