Australian varsities block student admissions from six Indian states
Canberra: In a move that has sparked widespread concern and embarrassment for Modi’s India, seven Australian universities have imposed restrictions on accepting students from six Indian states, citing a surge in fraudulent visa applications.
According to Kashmir Media Service, applications from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, as well as Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) have been completely halted by these Australian universities. Concerns are mounting in Australia over a rise in student visa misuse from these regions, with authorities stating that many applicants are entering the country not for education, but to seek permanent residency.
The tightening of rules has sent shockwaves across Indian students and education consultants alike, as universities raise red flags over misuse of the student visa system. While some universities have completely halted accepting applications from the affected states, others have made the process of application stricter with the assistance of the Department of Home Affairs of Australia.
The move, officials say, is aimed at preserving the credibility of Australia’s international education system, which has reportedly suffered reputational damage due to discrepancies in student profiles. Universities are now working closely with the country’s Department of Home Affairs to tighten visa screening processes. “International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality,” said Australian Minister for Education Jason Clare.
The decision has triggered a storm of reactions on social media. One user sarcastically remarked, “Videsh mein danka baj raha hai [drums are beating in foreign lands],” while another dryly commented, “You can look at it as you may wish to but this is the opposite of danka.” Others reacted with laser-eyed memes of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Critics argue that the situation highlights a broader systematic failure of Indian regulatory authorities to crack down on rampant visa fraud and protect genuine students. Due to what many are calling the Indian government’s negligent oversight, thousands of genuine students from these six regions could get unfairly impacted.
