The Australian government has approved a plan for international students to return to South Australia (SA)
In good news for many Indian students, including those who are waiting to return to their universities in Australia, South Australia (SA) has become the first state to have an international students’ arrival plan supported and cleared by the country’s federal government. This recognizes the work undertaken by state government agencies and the international education sector to deliver a safe and secure plan to get students back to SA. Adelaide is the capital of SA and the big universities include University of South Australia, University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and Torrens University.
“International education is a significant part of South Australia’s economy, contributing over AUD 2 billion in 2019, partly spent with our education providers such as schools and universities, and also providing a boost to our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors,” the Premier of SA, Steven Marshall, said in an announcement on Friday.
“International students add so much to South Australia’s multicultural fabric along with the clear economic benefits for our central business district and our state overall, with every three students leading to the creation of one job. In 2019, almost 20,000 jobs were underpinned by international education, which is massive for our state,” he said.
Marshall further added, “The health and safety of South Australians is our number one priority. There is still more work to be done with the Commonwealth and education providers but it’s important to note that Professor Spurrier (Nicola Spurrier, chief public health officer, SA) and her team at SA Health, along with South Australia Police, have been central to the formation of the plan, which meets all the necessary protocols required by the federal government.”
“It’s also important to note that no returning Australian will be impacted by the plan, as it will be done outside the current caps, and the institutions and students will bear the costs of flights and quarantine. The hub, based at Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s north, will allow students to complete their two weeks’ quarantine upon arrival.
Education Minister Alan Tudge said the proposed hub met with the government’s guidelines. “Importantly, the plan won’t take any quarantine places from Australians returning home,” Mr. Tudge said.
“SA will need to continue to meet the longstanding preconditions we have set and ensure Australians are protected from potential COVID outbreaks.”
(source: ABC news; https://ab.co/3y696zz)
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