Also, Miller said there will be a ban on international students from bringing their spouses and children to Canada, as a result of housing shortages.

In the same vein, the Canadian government has changed the requirements for the post-graduation work program (PGWP) for international students which began on February 15, 2024. 

On its website, Canada, however, revealed that from September 1, 2024, foreign students enrolled in the curriculum licensing agreement scheme will no longer be eligible for PGWP. 

The Australian government, on 21st March, 2024, announced the introduction of a stricter visa programme for foreign students to check the influx of immigrants coming from other countries.

According to the Australian Home Affairs Minister, Claire O’Neil, the new visa rules will allow the government to suspend universities from recruiting foreign students if they break the rules.

Australia will start implementing tougher visa rules for international students this week as official data revealed migration hit another record high.

It was disclosed that the new visa rule starting on Saturday, has English language requirements for student and graduate visas to be increased, and is likely to further worsen an already tight rental market.

Australia at the time said rules would be tightened for students that could halve its migrant intake over two years.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia also introduced new stricter requirements for immigrants who want to relocate on the Special Talent Residency visa.

On January 22, 2024, the Saudi Premium Residency Center announced new expertise criteria for eligibility to obtain STR visas.

The center disclosed that immigrants applying for STR visas must demonstrate expertise in scientific research, health care, information technology, financial services, space and defence, renewable energy, mining, logistics and transport, tourism infrastructure, and food and agriculture.

While the Special Talent Residency was designed to attract qualified immigrants and draw investments, the modification only opened windows of opportunities to those who are experts in the required fields.

VANGUARD