Australia has decided that it will be stopping its plan to bring 300 international students to Adelaide. The goal was due to be executed this month. However, the implementation of the same has been awaiting approval from Prime Minister Scott Morrison. His go-ahead is necessary so as to start the actual process.
As per reports, there were concerns raised by states. There was an inability to manage the 4000 new travelers who return every week. They have scheduled a meeting between the Prime Minister and all state premiers this Friday. Till the meeting, the international student plan is supposed to be on hold.
In August, the authorities announced the details of bringing back 300 students. South Australia is where these international students would reach. All state controls would be in practice to ensure safety at all costs.
The South Australian premier Steven Marshall confirmed that the Government would coordinate all plans. Apart from welcoming the students, there would be monitoring of Corona conditions in other countries. The extra precautions are to ensure that no containment happens in Australia.
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According to the Federal Minister Simon Birmingham, they will execute all plans with utmost care. The Government will take all precautionary measures to keep an eye on any outbreak. Only if students are free from the virus, they would be allowed to enter the country.
He further added on the same by saying that the country has brought back many of its citizens from abroad. The aim was to ensure that the nationals don’t feel stuck in any part of the world.
With all the necessary steps taken, upon arrival, the people will be kept in Quarantine. The infection has kept in control to maintain safety for everyone.
Birmingham also reiterated that states like South Australia were incredibly careful with the same. Their prompt approach ensured that there was no further spread of the virus.
By saying this, he enforced that the same approach would be adopted for international students as well.
Exact Details Not Provided
So far, the exact details about how they will enforce the entire process are unclear. Yet what we know of is that they are accepting students from Southeast Asian countries. These countries include China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. The students would be coming via a flight through Singapore.
Once the students landed in Adelaide, it would be mandatory for them to quarantine. The duration of Quarantine would be for two weeks. It is only after this period is over they can move to their respective universities.
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Surprisingly the universities are willing to take up the costs of Quarantine, which means that students on their part do not have to pay anything from their pocket. The chances of international students accepting this offer are pretty high.
However, even till August end, authorities were unable to decide how to proceed further. Whether they will allow students from high- risk countries?
Or, they would maintain a specific approach to welcome students only from zones where the infection rate is low.
When we questioned Marshall, he replied that they had not taken any significant decisions. There is still a doubt about which countries would be on the list.
Willingness to Quarantine
However, a majority of international students have not yet left the country. As per the Department of Home Affairs data, nearly half-million students are from other countries. The data got published on August 24th, 2020. Mainly this section comprises almost 78% of the Visa holders. The information is sufficient to explain the extent of international students present in the country.
Students who are abroad have been requesting the Government to call them. Some have even sent mailers to the Universities to allow them entry.
One of the twitter users, @kay232020, pleaded if Australia had any plans to bring back the international students. He asserted that he was willing to stay in Quarantine at home and even after reaching the country. His ending words were “Let us come please,” which shows the desperation that students are experiencing.
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Another Twitter user, @ranjithkohli, said that they wanted mental relief. According to his tweet, he wanted the authorities to heed to the request of international students and temporary students.
His main concern was that they should allow a time frame for those who are unable to travel. If they have a time limit enforced, the students could feel some mental relief.
Apart from the same, there are users like @ammycheema5 who are risking losing their study visas. According to her, the Visa is expiring in another six months.
The students should be allowed to come so that they can extend the Visa. Also, the studies which have been suffering can be resumed at an average pace once again.
Though the Australian Government is trying hard, things seem not to be working as they want. Students from all over the world are waiting for their next step. Some of them have even used social media to voice concerns.
Read More: Australian Government has Announced New Changes for Temporary Visa Holders
Until the Government takes concrete steps, students will have to be patient. The execution of their plans could take more than the time intended. According to reports, the decision should be coming shortly. At least the Australian Government is bothered about the students.
Their steps towards bringing back the international students can alter the lives of many. Hopefully, the students would get a chance to explore higher study opportunities in the country in the near future.
