Return of international students should be welcomed with policy reform

But this doesn’t mean Chinese students will not return. China recorded the largest increase of any country in student visa holders since borders opened, a rise of about 5500. This suggests many new Chinese students have applied for and been granted visas.

These students may be waiting until the start of semester before coming to Australia.

Why is the labour market important?

One reason students are returning at different rates may be due to the labour market.

According to 2016 census data, Indian and Nepalese students are much more likely to be part of the workforce than Chinese students. About 78 per cent of Indian and 87 per cent of Nepalese students are employed in the Australian workforce, compared to less than 21 per cent of students from China.

The government’s efforts to get international students back to Australia more quickly highlights how important their labour is to many parts of the economy. The 2016 census showed current and recently graduated international students made up about 2 per cent of the total labour force. This student workforce is concentrated in areas reporting shortages.

Before the pandemic, about 15 per cent of waiters, 12 per cent of kitchen hands and 10 per cent of cooks and chefs were current or recently graduated international students. About 11 per cent of commercial cleaners were current or recent international students.

These occupations have faced widespread difficulties in finding staff.

International students also work in important carer roles. Before the pandemic, about 9 per cent of all nursing support staff and personal care workers in aged care were current or recent international students.

Many other occupations where the pre-pandemic workforce included large numbers of international students are recording vacancies at well above pre-pandemic levels.

What are the implications of students’ role as workers?

Access to the Australian labour market has been a controversial aspect of international education.

International students are required to demonstrate they are a “genuine” student, and not using a student visa to enter the country primarily to work. Yet, the reasons for international students to select Australia as a destination are varied and complex. The ability to work is an important consideration.

Australia uses access to the labour market to compete with other countries for students. In 2008, Australia removed the need for students to apply for a separate work visa. International students have been able to work 20 hours a week. That limit has now been lifted until at least April 2022.

Following the 2011 Knight review, many international students have been able to apply for a post-study visa. This lets them work in Australia for between one and five years after finishing their course.

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Competitor countries are also using post-study work rights to attract a bigger share of international enrolments.

The need to temporarily loosen work restrictions shows it is not just universities that rely on international students. Many Australians will benefit from their labour.

In welcoming international students back to the country, it is important to ensure their rights are protected. These students can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace. Current visa arrangements can encourage international students to cycle through cheap courses so they can stay in Australia.

As international education recovers, a better understanding of the link between international education, migration and employment can help inform policy that protects everyone’s interests in the sector.