High Rejection Rates for Indian Student Visas in New Zealand Spark Concerns: Hints at Political Game

New Zealand's High Indian Student Visa Rejection Rates Raise Alarms and Geopolitical Implications

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New Zealand had some good news for students earlier this year. They had revealed their action plan and policies in place to process Visa Applications faster. This meant one could plan their travel hassle free. It is very important for a student since the journey to study abroad has a lot of nitty-gritty into it. And in unfortunate cases of Visa-rejection the first time, one still has plenty of time to re-apply a second time and get the Visa for travel well before the course starts.

However, Kiwi visa is expensive to apply.

And sadly, Most Indian students heading towards their Kiwish dreams will have to re-apply. Recent news reveals a whooping 40% rejection rate of student visas for Indian applicants in 2024! 

Why are so many Indian students being denied of Visa? One would have felt it to be a case with everyone on the applicant pool. But, this stark contrast to the 2% rejection rate for Chinese students alongside raises serious questions.

Are Indian students making numerous mistakes in their Visa application? Or, are these numbers hinting at some thing else at play? It's perplexing, especially considering the positive geopolitical developments between India and New Zealand. 

Bilateral discussions have included facilitating seamless academic exchange, and New Zealand universities are increasingly collaborating with Indian institutions. For instance, in July 2023, a Kiwi university was nearing an agreement with Mumbai’s Bombay Stock Exchange Institute. Additionally, Education New Zealand has partnered with the High Commission of India to feature India as the "country of honour" at the New Zealand International Education Conference, NZEIC KI TUA 2024.

Despite these efforts, why are applications of Indian students being rejected at such alarming rates?

Stats from Immigration New Zealand says that the results of the first quarter of 2024 is still better as they have managed a reduction of 9 percent for Indian students. That means in 2023, 49% of Indian student Visa applications to New had been Rejected! 

India is a nation steeped with bureaucratic measures where one has to fill out forms and follow procedures everywhere. Indians acquire a practice of filling out forms correctly since birth. Then how come as adults - about half of the nation's students are making mistakes while filling out such an important application like a Visa form? And that too when they are aware of such huge non-refundable application fees associated with it. Something doesn't seem to fit right, doesn't it.

Immigration authorities claimed that the most common reason for rejecting visa to Indians was they had doubts if these students were genuinely interested in Education in New Zealand. The other reason cited was insufficient proof of funds.

This situation raises several important questions. Are the authorities equally scrutinizing all applicants? Given China's history of sending spies abroad, what makes New Zealand so confident about the intentions of all Chinese applicants? Moreover, with the high non-refundable visa application fees, why would middle-class Indian students apply without genuine intentions? And when they mention insufficient proof of funds - what exactly would define sufficient for them? Are they rejecting bank loan documents? Why would Indian students run pillar-to-post to secure documents for education loan to be furnished along with Visa application?  What exactly has convinced New Zealand that majority of Indian applicants are just trying their luck to win a lottery ticket into New Zealand? Their actions have raised several questions yet to find concrete answers.

The actions of New Zealand's immigration authorities could be perceived as having double standards. On one hand, New Zealand seeks to foster positive ties with India and attract Indian students, knowing their influx will significantly benefit the economy. 

On the other hand, high rejection rates force these students to reapply, thus generating more revenue for the Kiwi immigration agencies. If New Zealand is struggling to fund its immigration processes, seeking donations could be a more transparent approach. Indians are generous and might willingly support, rather than resorting to perceived ill tactics.

Or, is New Zealand setting its priorities straight and stating it's preferences among students? Well, if that's the case, then Dear New Zealand, hear me out!

An Indian student who could secure a seat in your university has enough talent and knowledge to secure their place in any other university globally. Indians are competitive, capable and aren't dependent on you. Persistent high rejection rates could lead to Indian students boycotting New Zealand as an education destination, just as they have with other travel destinations like the Maldives. This could result in significant financial losses for your universities along with your entire economy, potentially amounting to millions or even billions.

Will you be able to cover this loss?

No matter whom you prefer over Indians, their numbers might not make up for the loss. Instead of risking such consequences, learn from others' mistakes. The Maldives serves as a classic example of what can happen.

Think about it and act wisely. 

This isn't a threat; it's a reality check. If anyone feels threatened, it's time to reflect and correct the course. Let’s hope this issue is resolved sooner rather than later.

New Zealand’s handling of Indian student visa applications is a matter of urgent concern. By addressing these issues fairly and transparently, New Zealand can maintain its status as a top study destination and continue to benefit from the invaluable contributions of Indian students.

Now, if you are a student seeking help with your study abroad applications from scholarship essays to resumes, cover letter, Visa forms etc., you may reach out to me here: hello.chaitalkies@gmail.com.

For business queries, promotions or freelance you may contact me here: aamiprabhasini@gmail.com.

That's it for today. See you in my next blog. Until then, take care, Stay healthy, happy and safe.