Unlimited work rules for international students a policy “disaster”

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Last week, Labor backbencher Julian Hill warned that Australia’s international education system has become a “ponzi scheme” for enticing non-genuine students to Australia with unfettered work rights and permanent residency, which was being ruthlessly exploited by some education agents:

Speaking at an international education conference, Mr Hill said it was clear the Morrison government’s decision to uncap work hours was irresponsible because it “distorted student choice and corrupted the market”…

Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, described the uncapping of work hours as creating a “Ponzi scheme” in student visas. Before the removal of caps, international students were restricted to working 40 hours a fortnight…

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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.