The return of international students in Australia will not only back higher education institutions but also serve a key role as skilled workers for the tourism industry, according to Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond.
Because of the pandemic, what used to be a vibrant tourism industry with over 1 million Australians employed in the sector has lost 600,000, almost half of the total workers contributing to the country’s tourism sector.
Key Takeaways:
- International students will serve as skilled workers for Australia’s tourism industry, according to an expert in the field.
- The country has lost 600,000 from a pool of over a million Australian workers employed in the sector.
- Australia needs to bring back international students to Australia as soon as possible, not just for the sake of the universities but for the tourism industry.
Osmond added that the country needs to bring back international students to Australia as soon as possible, not just for the sake of the universities but for the tourism industry.
Australia’s tourism industry is in urgent need of skills that international students can provide in their downtime from their education and training.
A report titled “The value of international education to Australia” by Deloitte Access Economics estimated that Australia’s current stock of international students will contribute to filling the country’s need for skilled workers.
With 130,000 skilled migrants to the country’s workforce after they graduate, a 3% increase is anticipated in the share of the current workforce with tertiary education.
Doubling the migration points for professional year programs and extending post-study work rights for offshore studies in flexible new study visa options are reportedly being considered.
Moreover, government ministers have been reported about their openness on visa reforms and expected changes anticipated to take place before the start of the new year.
With a proposal that will provide international students with post-study work rights, more prospective students will come to Australia and get their post-study work right based on their entire study abroad without any in-person learning.
Following the shortage of skilled workers with no quick fix by 2023 yet, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for an increase in skilled migration once the international border is open.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said that Australia will be welcoming fully vaccinated skilled workers and international students before the end of the year.
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