The Australian government is under pressure to deport international students associated with “ghost colleges” following a significant crackdown on fraudulent vocational education and training (VET) providers. The Albanese government recently announced that more than 150 dormant VET providers were shut down after failing to provide evidence of training for over a year. Additionally, 140 providers received warning notices from the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and were ordered to resume quality training by the end of 2024 or face deregistration.
Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating fraud and exploitation in the sector, stating, “Under our government, there is no place for anyone who seeks to undermine the sector and exploit students.”
The crackdown has sparked concerns about the future of those who obtained visas through these fraudulent institutions. Economic commentator Tarric Brooker questioned the fate of both the fraudulent providers and the students who secured visas under false pretenses. Leith van Onselen, co-founder of MacroBusiness, argued that there should be consequences for those involved, suggesting that both the operators of the ghost colleges and the fake students should face punishment, including potential deportation.
The situation highlights ongoing issues within Australia’s VET sector, with calls for stricter enforcement and accountability to protect the integrity of the country’s visa system.