Stay if you can be self-sufficient.
The Australian government will extend assistance to international students and temporary visa holders, in acknowledgment of their economic contribution in various sectors. The government, however, emphasised the importance of self-sufficiency.
Early Access to Super
The Australian government is now allowing international students who have been in the country for over a year to access their superannuation funds to help cover living expenses during the COVID-19 crisis.
You're encouraged to Stay
Temporary visa holders are likewise encouraged to remain in the country, especially if they can financially support themselves.
Return Home if you're Unstable
International students, temporary visa holders, and tourists in Australia who cannot sustain themselves financially are strongly advised to return to their home countries. The government has outlined support measures but stresses that self-sufficiency is crucial.
The Australian government has made a recent announcement to extend their assistance to international students and temporary visa holders as an aid to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been clear that Australians are the government’s top priority in financial assistance in terms of livelihood and health. In spite of this drastic measures, international students were acknowledged as one of the most important contributors to the country’s economy through participating in almost 250, 000 employments.
With this, as part of the acknowledgement, international students who have been staying in Australia for more than a year are now able to access their superannuation if they are experiencing financial difficulties to pay for their daily needs such as rent, food, bills, and transportation costs. In addition, the government is working hand-in-hand with international education providers regarding assistance such as granting tuition fee reduction. Students can monitor what assistance their specific education providers are working on: Australian Education Provider COVID-19 response Information
International students in Australia can now access their superannuation for financial support amid COVID-19, as part of extended government aid.
The government is also coordinating with education providers to offer tuition fee reductions to help international students manage their living expenses.
In the same manner, Temporary Visa holders can now also access their superannuation. They are strongly encouraged to remain in the country as they would be of big help in the industries of aged and disability care, health, agriculture and processing, as long as they are able to financially support themselves. This is in response to the growing number of Australians affected by the current situation.
Click on The Australian Government’s Economic Response to Coronavirus for more information regarding subsidies.
International students, temporary visa holders and tourists are strongly advised to go back home if they are unable to support themselves.
For further reading, visit the following sites:
Coronavirus and Temporary Visa Holders
