Possible regional impact if student visa changes go ahead
CHANGES to international student visas and work rights could affect Otago’s regional industries as well as education providers, as consultation on proposed changes draws to a close, the head of the region’s chamber of commerce says.
Otago Polytechnic said earlier this year changes to poststudy visas — including removing employersponsored poststudy visas and introducing a oneyear visa for people who have completed nondegree qualifications at level 7 or below — could cost the institution $4.3 million if they go ahead.
Around 2000 submissions were received on poststudy proposals. Looking at students’ rights to work while they study will be the next stage.
Immigration Minister Iain LeesGalloway said yesterday the Government was ‘‘focused on quality education’’ not ‘‘bumsonseats’’.
However, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan, chairman of the Study Dunedin advisory group, said the international student market was ‘‘vital’’ to the city.
Dunedin had more than 4000 international students, including high school and intermediate pupils as well as those atuniversity and polytechnic ones and even some primary school pupils.
‘‘[We are] monitoring it quite closely, and making sure we are keeping up to date with the changes.’’
International students can work parttime if they study for at least two years for a New Zealand qualification that gains points under the skilled migrant category, or for a foundation pro gramme in Canterbury for at least one academic year at level 4 or higher. There are separate requirements for English language students.
It is possible for students doing a research master’s degree and doctoral students to work fulltime.
International students provided a ‘‘temporary workforce’’ at key times of year for the regions, for instance working on orchards and vineyards.
Central Otago Winegrowers Association acting president James Dicey said there would be a flowon effect for viticulture if international student numbers decreased, when it came to the university students choosing to work in the industry.
Study Dunedin coordinator Margo Reid said the latest economic figures available came from a 2016 report, which showed international education brought $117.7 million to the Dunedin economy.