How the issue of international students has been handled during the pandemic could impact the recruitment of international students in the years to come.
In September, citizens of 23 countries were banned from entering Malaysia.
These countries are the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Peru, Colombia, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iran, the UK, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Iraq, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The ban has affected thousands of international students in the country. And while international students from countries not on the list are allowed in, they have to pay quarantine fees of RM5,010.
Concerns about the cost have been raised, as well as why exemptions were only given to holders of Reciprocal Green Lane passes, Periodic Commuting Arrangement and individuals who can self-quarantine at home, but not to international students.
Are international students not considered important enough?
High economic impact of international students
The country needs international students. For years, they have fuelled its progress in innovation, job creation and level of competitiveness. Private institutions are already suffering with no international student intakes this year.
These are crucial as international students contribute up to 50% of revenue of private institutions.
If no action is taken to help international students, or to allow for a smoother entrance, we may see a dramatic collapse of private institutions and international student recruitment.
Some form of financial aid needed
Unlike in Germany where higher education is fully sponsored by the government, students here must pay their own tuition fees. And tuition fees for international students are much higher than for local students.
But the problem is not tuition fees but those who wish to return to Malaysia. They must pay the expensive quarantine fee on top of paying for their education and their flight tickets to get here.
Some form of financial aid must be put in place to help international students bear the high costs, possibly by the private institutions themselves.
A cost-sharing model with higher education institutions would be welcome to ensure that these students can continue their academic journey in Malaysia.
Malaysia is still their home
Most international students wish to return to Malaysia because of the life they had created here prior to the pandemic.
These students have rented apartments and their belongings have been left unattended for months due to the ban.
The uncertainty of the pandemic has made it difficult for these students to deal with the situation, especially with their ongoing commitments in Malaysia while they are stuck in their home country.
The situation is affecting their mental health as well.
The lack of support and transparency, paired with the lack of care, will negatively impact how prospective international students view Malaysia.
Hence, certain exceptions need to be made to recognise the vital role international education plays in the recovery and rebuilding of the local economy.
One arrangement would be to allow international students back into the country for a month or two in order to settle personal matters and paperwork before sending them back home until institutions can properly re-open.
This way, international students need not pay such high fees if they are not planning to stay permanently. If nothing is done, we might end up losing them for good.
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