Saturday, November 1, 2025

SNIS launches SCRAP the CAP! campaign to protect international student workers

The Support Network for International Students (SNIS) has launched a new campaign to challenge the reimposition of the work-hours cap for international students in Australia. The SCRAP the CAP! campaign aims to amplify the voices of international students and the sector as a whole, who have been utilized by the Australian government during the pandemic.

Background: Support for International Students

SNIS was launched in September 2020 to consolidate the calls for reforms in the Australian international education system and better protect the rights and welfare of international students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SNIS provided support to international students through emergency food packages, case work, community education, lobbying for government aid, and other advocacy activities.

The SCRAP the CAP! Campaign

During the pandemic, the federal government removed the work-hours cap to address skills and labour shortages, allowing international students to work more than 40 hours per fortnight. SNIS is now spearheading the SCRAP the CAP! campaign to challenge the reimposition of the cap, arguing that international students have saved the Australian economy during one of its most difficult times.

The campaign aims to permanently lift the work-hours cap to give international students the same rights as other workers in the country. This will help avoid wage theft and workplace abuses that are endemic in the international student community.

The Facts Speak for Themselves

According to SNIS, there are currently 620,000 international students in Australia, who have long been treated as a source of income and labour for the country. International education is worth $40.3 billion a year and creates 250,000 jobs. However, students are left to struggle with ever-increasing course fees, predatory landlords, and education agents. Additionally, wage theft from international students is endemic, with a 2021 survey revealing that 77 percent were paid below the minimum casual hourly wage.

Show Your Support

The SCRAP the CAP! campaign is currently holding a series of activities, including online petitions, videos, open letters, lobbying, and protests. SNIS encourages everyone to show their support for international students by signing their online petition and following their Facebook page.

In conclusion, the SNIS campaign aims to promote recognition of the contribution made by international students to the Australian economy and non-restriction of their work rights. The SCRAP the CAP! campaign hopes to put an end to the institutional issues faced by international students and create a fairer environment for them to study and work. 

Hot this week

How to Stay Online Across the USA, Canada & Mexico Without Roaming Fees

When you’re travelling from Australia to North America, one...

Australian Christian Business Awards 2025 celebrates faith and enterprise

Christian entrepreneurs, leaders and community figures gathered at the...

The VAA’s 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration and Liberation Day Ball 2025

The Visayan Association of Australia Inc. (VAA) marked the...

Teachers build nations: Victoria calls on multicultural communities to step into the classroom

The Victorian Government is promoting a series of incentives...

How to Create a Strong Safety & Wellbeing Culture in Your Workplace

Safety should be a priority for any business. Unfortunately,...

Topics

How to Stay Online Across the USA, Canada & Mexico Without Roaming Fees

When you’re travelling from Australia to North America, one...

Australian Christian Business Awards 2025 celebrates faith and enterprise

Christian entrepreneurs, leaders and community figures gathered at the...

The VAA’s 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration and Liberation Day Ball 2025

The Visayan Association of Australia Inc. (VAA) marked the...

How to Create a Strong Safety & Wellbeing Culture in Your Workplace

Safety should be a priority for any business. Unfortunately,...

Year-Round Gifting: 5 Great Ideas for Any Occasion

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be limited to birthdays or...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img