May 12, 2022

New Zealand Begins Consultation on International Education Strategy

T The New Zealand Government has begun consultation on its revived International Education Strategy 2022-2030. In the new strategy policy, guidelines include a host of new steps to reinvigorate and strengthen the international education sector.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins said "Our international education sector has done it tough for the last few years, bringing fight-herkhterward our reopening to all international students shows this government's strong commitment to them, and the rebuilding of high-quality, world-class, New Zealand international education.” He also said “We will not be going back to the nation's volume over value approach that became a backdoor to residency for lower-skilled and lower-paid migrant workers, who were then at risk of exploitation.

…in the revived International Education Strategy, students in non-degree level courses are not eligible for post-study work rights unless filling specified occupation shortage gaps…

While student bodies welcomed the move to allow students in-study work rights, they were sceptical about the minister’s backdoor-residency comments. New Zealand International Students’ Association said it was shocked at the suggestion that students used backdoor tactics to enter the country. They implied that such statements are in poor taste and suggest that international students are responsible for labour exploitation. NZISA president Vikram Selvaraj told the media, “Frankly there is no need to use such language, which unfortunately fuels the existing anti-international/ anti-migrant and prejudicial attitude in the community.”

The minister’s comments are not the only sticking issue: a proposal in the revived International Education Strategy states students in non-degree level courses will no longer be eligible for post-study work rights, unless filling specified occupation shortage gaps. The proposal has not gone down well with some sections of students. Executive director of English New Zealand, Kim Renner, noted.” The changes the government announced yesterday will help ensure these students are getting value for their money and that those who stay on are helping fill skill gaps and contributing to the economy.” However, the educational minister clarified that changes were made to benefit students. While the consultations on the International Education Strategy are still ongoing, it is not a hundred percent known if the government includes sticking points in its strategy.

Posted in News and tagged News, New Zealand Government, International Education Strategy
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