A new documentary has criticised the lack of work opportunities for Indians in Australia after they graduate from Australian universities—raising questions over whether a recent extension to post-study work rights has gone far enough. The film follows a student who applies for more than 60 jobs without being asked to an interview. A new documentary has criticised the lack of work opportunities for Indians in Australia after they graduate from Australian universities—raising questions over whether a recent extension to post-study work rights has gone far enough.
Sunshine and Shade, which premiered last week at the Parramasala film festival (and will screen on Indian television), aims to show the reality of study in Australia – good and bad – following two Indian students throughout their study experience.
While the students enjoy aspects of their studies, both struggle with visas and finding work after they graduate – an experience director Ana Tiwary says leaves many students disenchanted with Australia.
Kumar applied for more than 60 jobs without being asked to an interview
“I think international students are our link to countries like India and China. They have access to those markets, they have access to investors from those countries that have vibrant economies,” said Tiwary.
“It is a shame that we are not valuing those students who bring so much to our country.”
The film follows Kanishk Kumar, who after studying an MBA at the University of Newcastle, Sydney, applies for more than 60 jobs without being asked to an interview.
Sharn Chahal meanwhile struggles to survive on the twenty hours of part time work allowed by her student visa, while studying IT and Accountancy. She fears having to pay off a “first world loan” in rupees if she cannot find work in Australia when her course ends.
Tiwary said recent changes to the
General Skilled Migration Program were a major barrier for foreigners who are eligible to work in fewer occupations in line with the economy's needs. Thousands will have to leave Australia when
transitional arrangements to the scheme end on December 31, she said.
Students also struggle to find companies to sponsor them to work in Australia – a claim backed up by a
Deakin University, Melbourne, survey earlier this year.
"Australia has the most qualified cab drivers and waitresses because people can't get jobs based on their qualifications," Tiwary said. "Once they graduate, they should be getting jobs that they're qualified for."
"Once they graduate, they should be getting jobs that they're qualified for"
The claims come despite vast improvements to post-study work rights introduced
last November in a bid to win overseas students back to Australia – particularly from India. Currently undergraduates may remain in the country for two years, master’s students for three and PhD students for four to work after graduation.
Others argue job sponsorship
is improving with 12% more employers saying they recruited international graduates last year.
Promising better publicity, the film suggests the attacks on Indian students in Australia in 2009 – which prompted a 50% fall in visa uptake by Indians – were sensationalised by politicians and the media, a claim backed by victims.
“Racism was not the only factor in the attacks," said Tiwary. "Research found that where students live, where they worked and how they travelled and carried cash made them easy targets."
A new documentary has criticised the lack of work opportunities for Indians in Australia after they graduate from Australian universities—raising questions over whether a recent extension to post-study work rights has gone far enough.
Sunshine and Shade, which premiered last week at the Parramasala film festival (and will screen on Indian television), aims to show the reality of study in Australia – good and bad – following two Indian students throughout their study experience.
While the students enjoy aspects of their studies, both struggle with visas and finding work after they graduate – an experience director Ana Tiwary says leaves many students disenchanted with Australia.
Kumar applied for more than 60 jobs without being asked to an interview
“I think international students are our link to countries like India and China. They have access to those markets, they have access to investors from those countries that have vibrant economies,” said Tiwary.
“It is a shame that we are not valuing those students who bring so much to our country.”
The film follows Kanishk Kumar, who after studying an MBA at the University of Newcastle, Sydney, applies for more than 60 jobs without being asked to an interview.
Sharn Chahal meanwhile struggles to survive on the twenty hours of part time work allowed by her student visa, while studying IT and Accountancy. She fears having to pay off a “first world loan” in rupees if she cannot find work in Australia when her course ends.
Tiwary said recent changes to the General Skilled Migration Program were a major barrier for foreigners who are eligible to work in fewer occupations in line with the economy’s needs. Thousands will have to leave Australia when transitional arrangements to the scheme end on December 31, she said.
Students also struggle to find companies to sponsor them to work in Australia – a claim backed up by a Deakin University, Melbourne, survey earlier this year.
“Australia has the most qualified cab drivers and waitresses because people can’t get jobs based on their qualifications,” Tiwary said. “Once they graduate, they should be getting jobs that they’re qualified for.”
“Once they graduate, they should be getting jobs that they’re qualified for”
The claims come despite vast improvements to post-study work rights introduced last November in a bid to win overseas students back to Australia – particularly from India. Currently undergraduates may remain in the country for two years, master’s students for three and PhD students for four to work after graduation.
Others argue job sponsorship is improving with 12% more employers saying they recruited international graduates last year.
Promising better publicity, the film suggests the attacks on Indian students in Australia in 2009 – which prompted a 50% fall in visa uptake by Indians – were sensationalised by politicians and the media, a claim backed by victims.
“Racism was not the only factor in the attacks,” said Tiwary. “Research found that where students live, where they worked and how they travelled and carried cash made them easy targets.”
