KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) will meet with the Australian government soon over Canberra’s move to raise the amount of savings international students need to get a visa.
Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said he would hold a meeting with his Australian counterpart over the matter.
“We want to know whether the policy involves all countries or only certain countries. The first step we will take is to discuss this with the Australian authorities,” he said after officiating at the launch of the new logo of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Centre here today.
Zambry said in the context of student visas, this issue also involves the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN).
“…We must work together with KDN to get a response from the Australian government on this matter,” he said.
International media reported Australia warned some education institutions about fraudulent practices in student recruitment as part of efforts to curb migration.
Starting tomorrow, international students must show proof of having at least A$29,710 (RM97,787) in savings to obtain a visa, the second such hike in seven months.
— Bernama
