Canberra: Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke has defended the government’s immigration policies, saying Australia supports migration that benefits the country’s economy while seeking greater control over the visa system.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Burke addressed concerns surrounding international students switching visas, the demand for construction workers and claims about the number of yoga teachers entering Australia.
Government wants greater control over visa system
Burke said the government supports migration that contributes to Australia’s economy but wants stronger control over the visa system to ensure it is not used simply as a pathway to remain in the country for an extended period.
On international students changing from one visa to another, Burke said it was not appropriate to describe every visa change as “visa hopping”.
According to the government’s position, a student who completes studies in an area facing a shortage of skilled workers, obtains a graduate visa, works in the relevant field and later moves to another visa or seeks permanent residency with employer support can follow a legitimate pathway.
The government’s concern, he said, is with cases where people repeatedly change courses or visas primarily to remain in Australia for longer rather than for genuine study or employment purposes. The government is seeking greater controls over such cases.
Construction workers versus yoga teachers
Burke also rejected claims that Australia was allowing more yoga teachers into the country than construction workers.
He said fewer than 15,000 construction workers came to Australia last year, compared with around 4,500 previously, indicating an increase during the current government’s term.
By contrast, Burke said the number of yoga teachers brought into Australia under the current government’s term had been zero.
He explained that provisions covering yoga instructors came from a trade agreement with India negotiated under the previous government.
The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between India and Australia was signed in April 2022 and came into effect in December 2022. Under the agreement, up to 1,800 eligible Indian professionals can be permitted to enter Australia temporarily each year under certain categories, including Indian chefs and yoga instructors.
Burke clarified that the provision does not mean 1,800 yoga teachers enter Australia every year. It represents the maximum permitted category, while the actual number can be different.
