Australia is cracking down on student visa violations, and Indian students seem to be feeling the heat. Reports suggest that authorities in cities like Melbourne and Sydney have started inspecting workplaces where many international students are employed. The reason? Allegations that some students are working more hours than their visas allow.
Now, here's the thing—if you're on a student visa in Australia, you’re generally allowed to work 24 hours a week when classes are on. During university holidays, it’s open season with no hour limits. But according to student organisations, some people have been pushing the limits, working far beyond what’s permitted.
Rajkumar Vadlakonda, the general secretary of the Indian Cultural Association of Victoria, says the rules are no joke. “If you're caught breaking them, deportation is almost certain,” he pointed out. He also warned that many students don’t fully understand the regulations, which could land them in serious trouble.
One recent case made waves on social media. An Indian student, who reportedly arrived in December 2024, was deported after authorities found he had worked 50 to 60 hours a week. They apparently checked his phone records and found evidence of overtime work.
What’s more, Rajkumar mentioned that some students earn between Australian dollar (AUD) 1,500 and AUD 2,000 a week by driving cabs or doing delivery jobs. And here's something interesting — many receive their wages in cash instead of through bank accounts. That might sound tempting but makes it difficult to prove legal work hours.
With this news spreading, it’s said that several students have temporarily quit part-time jobs, fearing deportation. If you're thinking about studying in Australia, it's worth brushing up on the work rules. Sure, it’s tempting to work longer hours to make some extra cash, but the risks seem pretty high.
