Australia’s current immigration policy in relation to granting student visas to those with a disability is illogical and discriminates against people with disabilities, according to Adjunct Associate Professor Jan Gothard from Murdoch University.

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Gothard argues that an applicant should not be refused a student visa on the grounds of being a potential burden on Australia’s community, or health services, when international students aren’t allowed access to any of these services under their visa conditions.

Professor Gothard believes this dilemma has occurred as the result of the Migration Act 1958 being exempted from the provisions outlined in the more recent Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

As a possible solution, Professor Gothard urges the Minister for Home Affairs to use his powers to develop new legislation on student visas in the form of a legislative instrument.

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