More than 3000 international students were deported amid a government crackdown on immigration. A further 13,000 have been blocked from entering the country as well.
Syed Salman Raza CEO of education consultancy (International Education Experts) told SBS Urdu that “There are visa cancellations every year and this crackdown is not new.”
“Those students are generally affected, whose documents are not up-to-date, students who do not show up to class and are using their visa just for work,” said Mr Raza.
“Students that are abiding by their visa conditions should not have any issues at all.
They can travel back to their home country without any issues of visa cancellations.”
According to Mr Raza, international students are the third largest export revenue generation avenue for Australia which amounted to approximately 20 billion dollars last year.
The Department of shows the latest figures to be at 673,296 international students in Australia as of October 2018. 
Whereas the ratio of visa cancellations is somewhere between 3,000 to 4,000 students every year which is primarily based on bogus documentation or a gap in studies.
Monthly Info-graphic by Department of Education on International Student Stats. Source: Department of Education
Shahraiz a caller on the show believes that there is no doubt student’s come here because they want to earn money but that is not the case with every student. He further expressed his concern on how students tend to lead their life once in Australia.
“You will earn money most of your [working life], if you have the opportunity to study at some of the best institutions in the world then why risk it all for a small gain. Look at the big picture,” said Mr Shahraiz.
Another caller Adil thinks that it depends on the mindset and background of the student.
“If students are coming here for studies they will enrol in the best universities. But if their motive is something else they will only be looking for work,” said Mr Adil.
The 20 hours you have, utilise them wisely. Do not put yourself in positions of unnecessary stress and pressure. Focus on your studies
Asif Iqbal an academic associated with different Universities across Australia said that most students come here to expand their future opportunities.
“If students follow the proper process after completing their degree, then I don’t feel there is anything wrong [in staying back and working].”
Another caller Salman believes that government is providing a great opportunity for people who want to study but they are making Permanent Residence (PR) options very restricted once a student has finished their studies.
Asad another participant is sceptical about the whole idea. He said that “It’s a mixed bag. Student visas have a GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement. The reason for this requirement is to ensure you come here for study and leave afterwards.” said Mr Asad.
“The paradox then arises if you want to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) you get extra points if your degree is Australian based.
“The 20-hour work condition is so students can fulfil their living expenses. On the other hand, you need to fulfil the interest of the government and the public.
“Student fees that come from overseas helps boost the economy. So if a student works 40 hours and pays their fees from money earned in Australia it does not have a direct positive effect on the economy.”
A caller Haseeb who is currently a student, advises everyone to follow the law and regulation.
Row of private high school students work on assignment in class. Source: Getty Images
“The 20 hours you have, utilise them wisely. Do not put yourself in positions of unnecessary stress and pressure. Focus on your studies.” said Mr Haseeb.
“It’s a one-time opportunity to make your life here. Don’t give the opportunity to people to talk negatively about your community by doing things illegally.” he further added.
Moin has a completely different perspective. He thinks migration consultants in the student's homelands have a huge role to play. He said during the talkback session that;
“Consultants have a huge role to play in exploiting and misleading students as to which course to study in to get PR. I request consultants overseas to not misguide students just to earn some money,” said Mr Moin.
Mr Raza answering the caller’s questions emphasised that even after a student has received their visa, bogus documentation can cause a visa cancellation.
He also noted that in his field of work he came across students affected because of bogus documentation mostly came from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Watch the full talkback session below:
