The Impact of New Work Restrictions on International Students in Australia: A Perspective from ECCWA

Australia has always been a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education and a vibrant multicultural society. However, recent changes to work restrictions for student visa holders have sparked concerns among international students and ethnic communities alike. This article aims to explore these changes and their potential impact on international students, particularly those in Perth, and the broader Australian economy.

The New Work Restrictions

Starting from July 2023, international students in Australia will be limited to working a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight, up from the previous limit of 40 hours. This change comes after a temporary policy that removed limits on the number of hours international students could work while studying in Australia due to the pandemic. The aim of this new policy is to strike a balance between ensuring that foreign students can engage fully in their primary purpose, studying, and providing students with a way of supporting themselves financially and gaining work experience in the country.

The Impact on International Students

The new work restrictions have been met with mixed reactions from international students. Some students, particularly those who rely on part-time jobs to finance their studies and manage their living expenses, are concerned that the limit of 24 hours a week would make it difficult for them to meet their financial needs. On the other hand, some students believe that the cap on working hours could help prevent students from prioritizing work over their studies.

For international students in Perth, the impact of these changes could be significant. Perth, being a major city, has a high cost of living. The new work restrictions could potentially make it more challenging for students to manage their expenses and could influence their decision to choose Perth as their study destination.

The Economic Impact

International students contribute significantly to the Australian economy. They not only pay tuition fees but also contribute to the economy through their spending on living expenses. Any changes that could potentially reduce the number of international students or affect their spending could have an impact on the economy.

While it's difficult to quantify the exact economic impact of the new work restrictions, it's clear that they could have implications for sectors that heavily rely on international students, such as education, hospitality, and retail. A decrease in the number of international students could lead to a reduction in demand in these sectors, potentially leading to job losses and economic slowdown.

A Call for Balance

As an the peak body for ethnic communities in Western Australia, ECCWA, understands the importance of ensuring that international students are in Australia primarily for their studies. However, it's crucial to recognize the financial challenges many international students face. The new work restrictions, while well-intentioned, could potentially exacerbate these challenges.

We believe it's essential to strike a balance that allows international students to support themselves financially while ensuring they can focus on their studies. This could involve providing more financial support for international students, such as scholarships and grants, or exploring alternative solutions that can help students manage their expenses without having to rely heavily on part-time work.

While the new work restrictions are aimed at ensuring international students focus on their studies, it's crucial to consider their potential impact on students and the broader economy. By striking a balance, we can ensure that Australia remains an attractive destination for international students while also supporting their financial needs.