The Trump administration has recently revoked thousands of student visas nationwide, citing concerns about national security threats and ideological risks.

While there are genuine issues to address, particularly around due diligence, the media’s failure to explain the economic benefits of CBI creates a risk that the public and policymakers misunderstand why the scheme persists in Vanuatu.

Some believe that the visa system favours European nations and ignores the realities of the Pacific region.

A key driver of the income gap is the lower share of high earners among Pacific migrants.

When it came to whether migrants were gainfully employed or not, on average people overestimated the share of migrants that were in part-time employment.

Four young visa holders from India and Bangladesh, employed as console operators, were paid flat hourly rates between $16 and $23, below the minimum wages, overtime, and penalty rates they were entitled to.

The student admitted to working up to 60 hours per week for Uber while on a subclass 500 student visa, which only permits international students to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight.

Australians can access 189 destinations without a visa, while India’s passport offers visa-free access to just 57 countries, reflecting limited mobility for its citizens.

Indian nationals interested in applying must register in the pre-application ballot, and only those invited can proceed with visa applications.

The application fee is £10 (approximately $20 AUD), and the ETA allows for multiple visits of up to six months within its two-year validity period.