Tag: International students

The Australian government is developing a strategy to make Singapore a quarantine gateway, tourist destination and vaccination center for returning Australians, international students and business travellers.

The deal would help to boost the economy of Australia and clear the log jam of approx 40,000 Australians stuck overseas. Also, reopen the multibillion-dollar international student market at Australian universities, which has been smashed by the international border closure.

Australians would also be allowed to travel to Singapore for work purposes or leisure without any quarantine restriction. New Zealand could also be involved in what would become a three-way travel bubble that the government will be running up from July or August.

Mr. Dan Tehan, Minister of Trade, and Mr. Stuart Robert, Minister of Government Services, guiding the strategy and overseeing behind-the-scenes policy activity. Mr.Tehan confirmed he had discussed the plan with his Singaporean coordinator Chan Chun Sing.

Mr.Tehan said Singapore is eager to collaborate with Australia on a proof of vaccination certificate and our officials have decided to unite on this. Under the plan, Singaporeans who have received their vaccination will be free to travel to Australia for work, research, or vacation without any restrictions of hotel quarantine for two weeks.

Alternatively, a person who received a COVID-19 vaccine in Singapore and obtained a Singapore “proof of vaccination” certificate, which will be recognized by Australia, could speed up their entry into Australia and potentially avoid a hotel quarantine or a one-week quarantine.

Using Singapore to repatriate Australians and resume tourism and business travel would significantly relieve pressure on hotel quarantine systems in the states and the federal government’s Howard Springs facility.

After Covid-19 imposed border restrictions, newly appointed Immigration Minister Alex Hawke announced today that the government intends to allow temporary visa holders to return to the country as soon as possible, including international students and visitors.

Immigration Minister, Mr. Hawke said the government is planning to open the international border soon. COVID taught us one thing, and that is, we must cherish tourists to our economy and temporary visa holders. Mr. Hawke said we want them back as soon as possible. He believes that migration will be crucial to Australia’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s why the government is expanding our vaccination program and planning to open our international borders so that we can have visitors in our country who spend so much money and also, international students which is largest export sectors of our country, they both add value to the Australian economy. Mr. Alex said we want them back.

Mr. Alex Hawke’s statement comes as the latest data from the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that offshore international students’ visa applications have dropped by 65% in the second half of 2020 relative to the previous year 2019. He also said the biggest drop has been seen in visa applications from India- which is the largest source of students to Australia.

Mr. Hawke said he believes that international students visa applications will surely rise once they reopen the country’s border because we have the best education system internationally.

  • 70,000 New Apprentices for Students
  • Apprenticeship Program will Boost Jobs for International Students
  • Subsidy Expanded for the next 12 months

Australian Government has announced thousands of new job opportunities for apprentices and trainees in 2021. The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program for new trainees and apprentices will be of 12 months who have signed up before 30 September 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that their government has been working for people who are looking for work in Australia under the National Economic Recovery Plan.

“Australian economy is underway according to the National Accounts, however, many businesses are in need of support, and it’s our duty to provide opportunities to apprentices and trainees to stay employed by boosting their skills.”

“By expanding wage subsidy for another 12 months, we’ll be helping businesses to create even more jobs, further supporting our National Economic Recovery Plan for Australia,” he added.

Australian employers will receive up to $7000 quarterly for hiring or keeping apprentices as the government expands the program it launched in 2019.

He said a first-year wage subsidy has eased the burden on business in Australia, by supporting youth in their least productive years.

Michaelia Cash Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business said that the Wage Subsidies Program 2021 will help more people into jobs.