It is curtains for fraud agents sending students to Australia using fake documents with the Australian Government suspending agents with such track record. Among the 200 such agents who lost their e-visa applying status this month are lot of Indian agents.
It means it will be very difficult for students who prefer to go to Australia using fake academic documents and end up as taxi drivers or part-time workers in shopping malls. Interestingly, it is this group of students who actually end as prey to drug addicts and alcoholics who attack people travelling late night in trains.
Majority of students who were attacked in Australia in the last two or three months were sent by such agents submitting fake documents. “They neither have academic credentials nor abilities to integrate into Australian culture,” says Ravi Lochan Singh, former president of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI). Welcoming the suspension, Mr. Ravi says the work in weeding out the rot has just started and there is a need for continuing vigilance.
Colleges that admit students submitting fake documents, often referred as “rogue” colleges in the Australian media and official circles, thrive with the help of fraudulent agents.
These agents target students from lower socio-economic groups and smaller towns to send them as students for courses like community welfare, cookery and hair styling, which give additional points for Permanent Residency (PR) aspirants.
Students from India who go to top universities for their Masters or research are annoyed with such elements landing there using fake documents. “It hurts not only our reputation but also of our country since Indians over the years have created a very high regard for themselves with their professionalism and sincerity,” says Divya, a research student at RMIT University in Melbourne.
Ravi Bhatia, CEO of Primus Telecom and highly respected Indian community leader said, “I feel sad for people landing here with fake documents.
There is nothing wrong in aiming for PR status but they should come through proper channel and as good professionals even if they choose courses like cookery or community welfare.”
Mr. Ravi Lochan Singh, an Australian alumnus himself says fraud agents have sprung up in smaller towns of India selling the Australian dream.
He advised students not to fall in their dragnet as it might jeopardise the chances of education as well as migration.
Acting High Commissioner of Australia in India, Dr. Lachlan Strahan said, “These measures are to ensure genuine students receive high quality education and enjoy their experience in Australia.”
Information on studies, institutions and living costs in Australia is available at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.
