New Zealand’s International Education Goals: Indian students are the Key
Manager of Immigration (Skills and Residence) Policy, Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Andrew Craig said that a specific pathway is being worked for Indian students as an answer to their concerns.
In 2019, 1600 students from India got the student visa of New Zealand. The number went from 800 to 1600 numbers in 2019 resulting in 63% increase in Indian student visas. However, closed borders due to covid had caused a lot of trouble for these students.
New Zealand and Australia both claim to be having a strong international community but Australia has 96,000 students from India till July 2022. The number is comparatively less for New Zealand.
Issue about Indian students was also raised by S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister India, in a meeting with Nanaia Mahuta in October 2022. He raised the issue of problems faced by Indian students due to the pandemic and urged the New Zealand Government for a fair treatment of students.
He stated that students are most affected during covid than any of others. So the New Zealand Government should show understanding and sympathy towards students.
Andrew Craig said that New Zealand borders are now fully opened after the pandemic for students, workers and visitors. New Zealand immigration is having interactions with migrant community representatives which also include the Indian representatives about the problems the migrants are facing.
New Zealand is planning for pathways to help these. New Zealand has also made changes in the post study visa. These include the curbs for those international students on work opportunities who have low level courses and they choose to work in Green List occupations.
Green lists have highly skilled roles which are in demand in New Zealand. Also this will create a clear pathway for permanent residency.
New Zealand is introducing these changes as a measure to protect migrant workers against exploitation and also for filling the skilled gaps in the country. Craig also stated that international students are also eligible to apply for an accredited visa after their study ends. They should have a skilled employment offer.
NZ international education was greatly affected and held back by covid. But the country is taking necessary steps to get back on track. Various pathways are being planned in regard.
