IHEA Submission to Dept of Home Affairs on Review ‘A Migration System for Australia’s Future​’

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) provided a submission to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs on a review of Australia’s migration system. This review will inform a Strategy: A Migration System for Australia’s Future.

IHEA emphasises the importance of a robust international education and student migration program to help address
Australia’s workforce shortages, economic recovery, and productivity coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. IHEA's
submission relates to the independent higher education sector and our recommendations cover the following key
themes:

1. A robust international education and student migration program that meets Australia’s skills needs through attraction and retention:
   - A ready pipeline of international students and graduates who can fill critical labour shortages by tapping into their under-utilised skills.
   - Foreigner welcome message campaign and a domestic employer campaign that mitigates against implicit bias directed towards international students and migrants seeking employment.
   
2. An efficient migration system that complements Australia’s education and training system – access, growth, and competitiveness:
   - Competitive neutrality in market access to maintain and enhance Australia's world-class reputation.
   - Better use of information and technology in visa processing and consistent government policy, strategy, and regulatory settings.
   

This was submitted on 15 December 2022.

Thank you to IHEA members who provided feedback on this submission.