Indonesian Students Gain Automatic Work Rights in Australia

The Australian Government has made changes to its visa system with Indonesian citizens studying in Australia now automatically eligible to work part-time during their courses.

The Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Indonesian students previously had to apply separately for permission to work part-time during their studies in Australia.

“Under new processing arrangements which came into effect from 26 April, all student visas will be granted with work rights attached, removing the need for people to make a separate application,” Senator Evans said.

The changes mean that Indonesian students can now apply for part-time jobs and work for up to 20 hours per week as soon as their courses start, reducing red-tape for students wanting to work in Australia.

Senator Evans said the new arrangements also will cut overall student visa fees for Indonesian citizens with applicants from Indonesia now being charged A$450 for the visa and work permission, a saving of A$40 on the previous arrangements.

Streamlined processes for Indonesian students applying for student visas have also been introduced.

“Successful applicants will not need to have an Australian visa label in their passports as evidence of their visa grant,” Senator Evans said.

Instead their visa information will be stored electronically for access through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online service.

“The advantage of the online service is that it allows employers, government agencies, education providers and the visa holders themselves to check visa conditions such as the expiry date, work and study restrictions.”

Senator Evans said Australia had granted 7,534 student visas to Indonesian citizens in the year to June 2007. The number of Indonesian commencing study in Australia grew by six per cent in 2007 compared to 2006.

There are currently around 15,000 Indonesians studying in Australia, and Australia remains the number one destination country for Indonesian students.

Further information:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) hp. 0811 187 3175