SBS Chinese: Can Visa Fee Refunds for International Students and Backpackers Help Australia’s Labour Shortage?

Article by: Helen Yu (Read the original article [sbs.com.au])

Guest: Kirk Yan (Melbourne Branch Director, Newstars Education & Migration; MARA-registered migration agent with years of experience in interpreting migration policy and forecasting policy changes; Editor-in-Chief of Australia Migration Weekly; affectionately known as “K God” by his students.)

Interviewees: International student Yuki and working holiday maker Aoraki

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that, from 19 January, international students and working holiday makers arriving in Australia would receive a refund of their visa application fees.

A rapid surge in COVID-19 cases across Australia has forced tens of thousands of workers to stop working after testing positive, or to self-isolate as close contacts.

In a bid to encourage more people to come to Australia and address the labour shortage caused by the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that, from 19 January, international students and working holiday makers arriving in Australia would receive a refund of their visa application fees.

So, has this policy prompted holders of these visas to take action? What does our study and migration expert have to say? And will this policy deliver the results the Prime Minister is hoping for — addressing Australia’s current labour shortage?

SBS reporter Helen spoke with international student Yuki, working holiday maker Aoraki, and Kirk Yan — Melbourne and Tasmania Branch Director of Newstars Education & Migration and MARA-registered migration agent.

Kirk’s Latest Videos

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Has your family situation changed? Married or had a child? How does that affect the compensation policy?
The latest on Australia’s border entry policy — flights? Quarantine? Testing? COVID?
Details of the newly announced Subclass 485 provisions — what’s included?


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