Highlights
- Thousands of international students and backpackers arrived in Australia in recent weeks
- Visa application rates also surged after Government's announcement of visa fee rebate
- Government is providing incentives to encourage skilled workers to come to Australia
Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, has disclosed strong arrival figures for international students and working holiday makers in recent weeks.
Over 7,000 foreign students have arrived in Australia in the past week alone, ahead of the new semester.
"Australia is open for business. We are welcoming the increasing numbers of International Students, backpackers, and skilled migrants," Minister Hawke said.
According to the new government figures released on Thursday 3 February, around 56,000 overseas students have arrived since November 2020 after two years of being locked out of the country.
More than 50,000 students have applied for student visas since late 2021 after the international border restrictions were softened to allow fully vaccinated international students come to the country.
Visa application rates increased following reduced visa fees
Australia welcomes increasing return of international students. Source: Getty Images
Mr Hawke stated that the visa application rates have increased in recent weeks since the Government announced a special refund period for people who are willing to travel to Australia over the next few weeks.
"Australia's unemployment rate is at record lows, industries and the Government are providing incentives for workers to come here, and we're ready to meet the demand, "he said.
The Government announced the visa fee reduction amid staff shortage in a bid to help businesses and industries that are struggling to find employees.
Last month, a $3 million campaign was announced to attract more international students under which the government declared to waive the $630 visa application fee for fully vaccinated students who arrive in Australia between 19 January and 19 March 2022 in an effort to encourage them to come to Australia.
This measure was also extended to those applying for a working holiday maker visa between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022.
Australia prioritises visas for some skilled workers
Australia is prioritising visa processing for some skilled workers. Source: Getty
The government is also prioritising visas for skilled workers whose skills are critical to the economy's recovery.
Mr Hawke stated that the government is providing these opportunities to attract skilled workers to Australia.
"We are building back healthy pipelines of working holidaymakers, and we are processing these visas very quickly."
"More jobs are now available in Australia than before COVID-19, and there still are many more places for backpackers and students that are ready to be filled, so come on down", Mr Hawke said.
Despite its international border being predominantly closed for many, Australia still allows citizens and permanent residents to freely enter and return to the country.
