In recent times, there has been a concerning narrative in Australia regarding international students—one that conflates genuine students with asylum seekers or individuals attempting to game the system. This harmful rhetoric, echoed by figures like Peter Dutton, casts international students in a negative light and unfairly frames them as potential asylum seekers. Such a stance is not only misleading but also detrimental to Australia’s reputation and the future of its educational sector. We saw similar damaging language during the pandemic when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised international students to return to their home countries. These attitudes must change if Australia is to remain a top destination for education and a welcoming environment for genuine students.
Misguided Political Narratives: The Need for Change
The issue at hand is not just about public perception but the harmful effects of political rhetoric during election cycles. Politicians often use international students as scapegoats for larger economic problems, positioning them as burdens or risks to national security. International students, who are non-voters, become easy targets for politicians looking to score quick points with the electorate. This kind of discourse is not only misleading but also deeply unjust, as it reduces these students—who contribute billions to the Australian economy—into mere political pawns.
For years, international students have been a cornerstone of Australia's economy, contributing approximately $50 billion annually, second only to the mining industry. Yet, instead of acknowledging this vital contribution, we see politicians spreading incorrect information using international students as scapegoats for perceived economic woes, all in an effort to win votes.
Dutton’s Dangerous Rhetoric
Peter Dutton’s rhetoric, likening international students to potential asylum seekers, has caused unnecessary alarm among Australians. This approach is not only inaccurate but harmful, as it misrepresents the vast majority of international students who come to Australia with genuine aspirations for education and professional development. These students are not asylum seekers—they have undergone rigorous visa processes that ensure they are legitimate entrants.
By communicating such messages, Dutton and other like-minded politicians are sowing seeds of division and fostering an environment of distrust. It’s reminiscent of the pandemic when Morrison suggested international students should “go home,” a move that was widely criticised and viewed as tone-deaf, considering the significant contributions these students make to the nation’s economy and culture.
Australia has developed stringent systems to scrutinise student visa applications, ensuring that only those who meet the necessary criteria are granted entry. This careful selection process already weeds out those who are not genuine. Yet, despite these safeguards, the political narrative tends to disregard these facts in favour of sensationalism, leading to a misinformed public and a tarnished global reputation for Australia.
Pathways Forward: Supporting Genuine International Students
Rather than alienating and casting suspicion on international students, Australia should focus on policies that respect their contributions and provide fair, transparent pathways for those who genuinely seek to stay and contribute to the country.
There are several ways to address these concerns in a balanced and fair manner:
- Accelerate Permanent Residency for Skilled Students: Australia needs to target skilled international students—those who the country needs for its economic future. These students are the future of Australia’s workforce, and accelerating their pathways to permanent residency (PR) would benefit both the students and the nation. They represent the solution to Australia’s skills shortages and should be prioritised, not sidelined.
- Fast-Track Legal Processes for Students in Limbo: For students who are in immigration limbo, Australia should fast-track their visa processes, whether they are seeking PR or appealing to remain. This would reduce the backlog and provide clarity, preventing students from being stuck in uncertain situations. Importantly, not all students in limbo will apply for protection visas, and many will seek legal and straightforward pathways to remain in the country. The notion that all students in visa limbo will exploit the system is not only false but harmful to those genuinely seeking lawful avenues.
- Reject the Use of International Students as Political Tools: Election time in Australia often sees international students becoming easy targets for blame. This needs to change. Politicians should recognise that the international student market is a crucial part of Australia’s economy, and targeting these students with harmful rhetoric is short-sighted and damaging. It is time to move away from popular politics and focus on genuine reform and sustainable policies that benefit both international students and the country as a whole.
Avoiding the Repetition of Past Mistakes
Australia has a long history of making short-sighted decisions that have had costly consequences. In the past, poor responses to international student policies have led to significant economic losses and damaged Australia’s reputation as a global leader in education. These knee-jerk reactions, often spurred by political motivations, have been expensive mistakes that have taken years to undo.
The focus must be on creating a sustainable, respectful, and supportive environment for international students. They should not be viewed through a lens of suspicion or as a burden on the system but rather as valuable contributors to the nation’s future workforce and economy.
The Legal Rights of Asylum Seekers
It is also important to note that seeking asylum is a legal right. Australia has a proud tradition of offering humanitarian aid to those in need, and this principle should not be eroded by using the term "asylum seeker" as a degrading or belittling label. Not only is it harmful to the international student population, but it also undermines the very values of fairness and justice that Australia stands for.
Australia must uphold its commitment to treating all individuals—whether they are international students or asylum seekers—with dignity and respect. Politicians should refrain from using demeaning language that divides communities or diminishes the legal rights of vulnerable populations.
A Call for Accountable Leadership
Politicians like Peter Dutton should be held accountable for the harmful narratives they spread. When such figures use divisive language and perpetuate misconceptions about international students, they contribute to an atmosphere of fear and misunderstanding. This type of rhetoric undermines the integrity of the education sector and casts doubt on Australia's commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and global leadership.
International students have always been a vital source of growth and innovation for Australia, contributing to the nation’s economic and cultural fabric. They should be seen as the future skilled workforce that will drive Australia’s economy forward, not as potential risks to be managed. Providing them with the respect and opportunities they deserve is not just about fairness—it is about securing Australia’s economic and societal future.
Time for Genuine Reform
As Australia looks to the future, it is critical to abandon the politically motivated narratives that have dominated discussions about international students. These students represent an enormous opportunity for Australia, both economically and socially, and they should not be viewed as scapegoats for political gain.
It is time for Australia to adopt genuine reforms and policies that prioritise the long-term success of international students, ensuring that they can continue to contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity. Politicians must resist the urge to engage in harmful rhetoric that divides communities and undermines the nation’s reputation on the global stage.
Instead of playing to the fears of the electorate, policymakers should focus on creating an environment that fosters inclusivity, respect, and opportunity for all, including international students. Only then can Australia truly live up to its potential as a global leader in education and innovation.
