Australia warned several colleges today of fraudulent student recruitment practices, as part of efforts to rein in record migration, reports Reuters. It comes after the government said today it would raise the amount of savings international students will need to get a visa. The moves follow a raft of actions in recent months to tighten the student visa rules as the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2022 triggered a sudden influx of migrants, exacerbating pressure on an already tight rental market.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said warning letters had been sent to 34 education providers for "non-genuine or exploitative recruitment practices". They could be jailed for up to two years and banned from recruiting students if found guilty, she said.

"Dodgy providers have no place in our international education sector. These actions will help weed out the bottom feeders in the sector that seek to exploit people and trash the reputation of the sector," O'Neil said in a statement.

According to the government, from Friday, international students must show proof of savings of at least AUD 29,710 (USD 19,526) to get their visa, the second increase in about seven months. English language requirements for student visas were increased in March and the government has been taking steps to end settings that allowed students to prolong their stay.