The Department of Home Affairs has announced a new migration strategy that will notably impact international students and skilled migrants, with specific exemptions for individuals from India. This change comes amidst evolving policies aimed at managing Australia's skilled workforce needs.

Key Points:

• Indian National Student Visas: Approximately 108,000 Indian nationals currently hold student visas in Australia, a significant number reflecting the deep educational ties between the two nations.
• Extended Stay Under Trade Agreement: A bilateral trade agreement allows Indian students and skilled migrants longer stays in Australia compared to other nationals. This agreement plays a pivotal role in the new exemptions.
• Changes in Post-Study Work Rights: The government has revised the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) durations for international students. Under the new policy, most international students will see a reduced period of stay. However, Indian nationals are exempt from these changes due to the specified trade agreement.
  • TGV Duration for Indian Students:
    • Bachelor's Degree: 2 years
    • Master's by coursework and research: 3 years
    • PhD: 4 years

Government's Approach and Policy Changes:

The new migration strategy introduces shorter initial TGV durations and removes the option for extending post-study work rights, except for students who studied in a regional area. The government aims to transition from what it perceives as 'permanently temporary' residents under the long post-study work rights to a more regulated system.

Eligibility for Second TGV:

• Additional 1-2 years for studying in a regional area, depending on the location.

Impact and Response:

The changes aim to manage the influx of skilled workers and maintain the integrity of Australia's education system. Indian STEM and ICT professionals are particularly noted, with an increased stay duration for those with first-class honors in their Bachelor's degree. The government also emphasizes the importance of English proficiency for all students and TGV applicants, indicating a shift towards a more selective and skill-oriented migration approach.

Closing Remarks:

The Australian government's new migration policy is a strategic move to balance the country's workforce needs with educational quality and integrity. While it brings tighter regulations and scrutiny for most, Indian students and professionals stand to benefit from the special exemptions, reflecting the strong bilateral ties and strategic importance of India in Australia's international education and skilled migration sectors.