Overseas Students 'left Out'
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday January 29, 2008
A WOLLONGONG researcher is lobbying banks and the Federal Government to highlight the inefficiencies of the new skilled graduate visa, introduced in September to address the nation's skill shortage.
The Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa 485 allows overseas students to stay in the country for 18 months after completing their degree to gain skilled employment or further their English skills, in order to obtain the necessary points for permanent residency.But according to Jason Hart, a researcher with the University of Wollongong's undergraduate student association, the big four banks will not allow holders of the visa to apply for graduate positions."The visa is not operating as intended because some companies are just not willing to employ people on this visa type," Mr Hart said."I think the problem is that a lot of institutions are not familiar with this visa type and because they are not aware of it or how it functions, they are too afraid to hire people."I have received emails from (overseas students) who have a wealth of experience, can speak half a dozen languages, who have worked in multinational government agencies and have multiple degrees, and through this policy of not including them in the potential talent pool these institutions are doing themselves a great disservice."The National Australia Bank states on its website that it does not accept applications from 485 visa holders for their graduate program.However, a spokeswoman for the bank said the policy was under review.
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