Al-Qabas daily reports that Australian Ambassador Melissa Kelly does not plan to exempt Kuwaitis from visa requirements or change the current visa procedures. In fiscal 2022/2023, Australia granted 182 student visas to Kuwaitis; in fiscal 2023/2024, 106 student visas were granted to Kuwaitis. The number of Kuwaitis studying in her country is expected to continue to rise. She explained that the period for completion of transactions varies, indicating a calculator for average execution period is available on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website. Based on current data, 50 percent of student visa applications (subcategory 500) are processed within 14 days.

She added: “To improve transaction completion times, we encourage applicants to ‘verify twice, apply once,’ which means ensuring that all required information is completed, that there are no errors, especially in the spelling of names and dates of birth, and that all attachments are included, including translations.” Measures Asked if Australia took new measures regarding visas for students and whether these measures apply to Kuwaitis, she pointed out that the reforms announced on Dec 11 last year were the results of a comprehensive review of the overall immigration program in all visa categories; affirming they apply to international students including Kuwaitis. Among other things, she warned that some education service providers assist students in obtaining work rights in Australia with the help of a student visa, as well as incidents of exploitation of international students. Students visas play a key role in ensuring that the international education program in Australia continues to flourish.

In order to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas to pursue study opportunities, we have introduced reforms to enhance the integrity of the student visa system. Our educational system strives to ensure that real students have a positive experience in Australia through the highest standards of quality, safety, and integrity. Afterwards, students will have the option of returning to their countries, joining the global workforce or applying their skills to a career in Australia," she explained. According to her, the reforms make it easier for graduates to work in areas that require their skills. The Australian government appreciates the diverse skills and ideas that international students bring to the country, she said.