COVID Visa Chaos: Clare O’Neil Scraps Temporary Student Pandemic Visas

Breaking News

O’Neil Cancels COVID Visa to Stamp Out Rorting

By | September 1, 2023

Introduction

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has taken decisive action to address the abuse of the COVID visa by dishonest migration agents and students. The COVID visa, also known as the 408 visa, allowed international students to work unlimited hours for 12 months. However, it has been a subject of widespread rorting and exploitation. Approximately 120,000 people have accessed this visa, using it as a backdoor to the jobs market.

The Rorting Situation

The abuse of the COVID visa has been a significant concern, with one in six international students resorting to this visa to access full-time work instead of using their designated study visa. The surge in applications from India, the Philippines, and Nepal has contributed to this situation, raising questions about the efficacy and purpose of the visa.

Experts have argued that the visa served no legitimate purpose and allowed dishonest agents and students to stay in the country solely for work purposes. Immigration expert Abul Rizvi pointed out that the abuse of this visa had been ongoing for many months, prompting questions as to why it took the government so long to act.

The Cancellation

As of midnight on Friday, the 408 visa has been officially cancelled by Minister Clare O’Neil. This swift action aims to prevent a surge in fresh applications and crack down on the exploitation of the visa.

For those already on the visa, estimated to be more than 120,000 individuals, there will be time to resolve their affairs by either departing or applying for another visa. However, concerns remain about the potential consequences of this cancellation.

Future Implications and Challenges

Given the cancellation of the COVID visa, experts predict that there may be a surge in applications for the aged care certificate III. This certification could offer a potential pathway to residency if students remain with the same employer for two years. However, there are concerns about the financial situation of individuals who are unable to obtain a student visa due to insufficient funds or secure a skilled job to qualify for a skilled visa.

Immigration expert Abul Rizvi warns that if a significant number of individuals are left without other visa options, the government may face another surge in asylum applications. He emphasizes the urgency of developing a strategy to prevent the asylum rate from accelerating further, as it has the potential to become a major political issue.

Government’s Response and Outlook

Regarding the cancellation of the COVID visa, Phil Honeywood, the Chief Executive of the International Education Association of Australia, acknowledges that it is a long-overdue action. He hopes that this cancellation, combined with other recent reforms, will allow education providers to focus on recruiting and retaining genuine students.

In addition to cancelling the COVID visa, the government has taken further steps to address the abuse and loopholes present in the immigration system. Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor has gained agreement from all states and territories to empower the vocational education regulator with expanded authority to ban individuals considered of dubious background from owning or running colleges.

Furthermore, Minister Clare O’Neil, together with Education Minister Jason Clare, has implemented changes to visa conditions. These changes include requiring international students to prove they have a minimum of $24,500 in savings and preventing them from enrolling in a second course within the first six months.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the COVID visa by Minister Clare O’Neil reflects a necessary step to address the rampant exploitation and abuse of the visa system by dishonest agents and students. However, the potential consequences and challenges associated with the cancellation, including the need to find alternative visa options for affected individuals, highlight the need for a well-thought-out strategy to avoid a surge in asylum applications.

In the broader context, these actions by the Australian government serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring that it remains fair and equitable for all. The government’s commitment to addressing issues related to international students and immigration is crucial for Australia’s reputation as a desirable destination for education and employment.