The decision of the Australian government to highlight Qatar as one of the countries whose citizens pose a lesser immigration risk has been welcomed by nationals here.
Following the killing of Mohammed Al Majid, the 16-year-old Qatari student in Hastings (UK), it is apparent Australia is being perceived as a safer destination for students from this country.
Qatari students keen to pursue higher education in Australia now have to provide less evidence to support their visa applications. In fact, Qatar has been shifted to the lowest of the immigration risk categories.
Students from Qatar, as result of having been shifted to the lowest of the five possible levels of immigration risk category, are now also eligible to make online applications offshore.
The changes mean students from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and 40 other countries have a better chance of being granted a visa for Australia.
Hassan Al Jefairi, a well-known social activist, said: "I believe the Qatari people will welcome the decision and send their children there. The killing of young Mohammed in the UK would also be a significant factor behind sending their children to Australia." He said: "Australia has several positives. It has a good education system, the weather is also good, it is safe and stable when it comes to security and it also follows the British curriculum."
While Qataris were happy at the Australian government's decision, some Indians here were not since the new rules are now tough for students from Asia.
Indian families contacted by The Peninsula gave mixed reaction to the rule change. "There are many good universities offering medical, engineering and IT degree courses in other countries too, so if Australia has tightened its norms for student visas, Asian candidates can opt for other countries including Qatar which has good universities now," said a parent.
The Pen
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