China sees migration narrowing

CHINA'S media has warned that the Rudd government's fast-changing policies towards foreign students, including its more restrictive skilled migration list, are "narrowing" Australia's "doors to immigration".
The new rules have also been slammed as unstable by education agents in China, which accounts for almost one third of the $17 billion sector.
Many in the industry believe the new rules could do lasting damage to student demand from our largest trading partner, exacerbating financial problems for tertiary institutions triggered by the Indian students' crisis.
"A recent change in Australia's immigration policy is having an impact on Chinese students,' the China Daily said yesterday.
"The new Skilled Occupation List announced by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship on May 17 suggests the country is narrowing its doors to immigration.
"While the current SOL has 400 occupations, the new list, which will come into effect on July 1, cuts the number to 181.

"This will affect Chinese students planning to go to Australia and those now studying there."
Fresh evidence of the alarming trends in the country's number two export sector emerged yesterday with the latest government figures showing Australia's international student market has gone into reverse with commencements slumping 3.3 per cent in the four months to the end of April.
Total foreign student commencements in the education sector are down at 160,924 students from 166,414 a year ago.
The falls are being driven by a 17 per cent decline in the English language sector and a 3.8 per cent fall in the vocational sector.
The university sector grew by 9 per cent but there are concerns that this demand will be hit because English language schools are a key source of future students.
Overseas student specialists now warn that changes are being introduced too quickly without enough consultation, threatening market confidence and risking long term damage.
"The market is confused, the agents are confused, students are confused, and with the college closures too there is a total loss of confidence I believe in Australia as a study destination," said Sue Blundell, executive director of English Australia.
Yang Fei, manager at sosname.com.cn one of China largest online education agents, agreed.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ZHANG YUFEI

Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/china-sees-migration-narrowing/story-e6frg6nf-1225873753496