Australia has introduced more stringent screening measures for student visa applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, elevating these countries to the highest risk classification under its student visa assessment framework.

According to media reports, the revised settings came into effect on 8 January 2026 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The four South Asian nations were reclassified from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3, an adjustment former Immigration Department deputy secretary Dr Abul Rizvi described as an unusual move outside the standard review cycle.

Students from these countries accounted for nearly one-third of Australia’s international student enrolments in 2025, underscoring the scale and impact of the policy shift.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said the change is intended to address emerging risks to visa integrity while continuing to support genuine international students seeking a high-quality education in Australia. The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining confidence in Australia’s international education system.

Rationale for the Decision

The reclassification follows growing concerns over the submission of fraudulent academic qualifications and financial documentation, particularly amid reports of crackdowns on fake degree networks in India.

Phil Honeywood, Chief Executive Officer of the International Education Association of Australia, noted that increasing numbers of students who are unable to secure placements in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada are now applying to Australian institutions. “This trend has coincided with a rise in fraudulent documentation. Assigning these countries to the highest evidence level strengthens applicant screening and helps ensure genuine study intentions,” he said.

What Evidence Level 3 Entails

Under the SSVF, countries are assigned an Evidence Level (EL) based on indicators such as:

• Visa refusals linked to fraud

• Visa cancellation rates

• Incidents of unlawful non-citizens

• Subsequent asylum or refugee applications

An Evidence Level 3 rating requires both applicants and education providers to submit more comprehensive documentation, particularly relating to financial capacity and academic history.

Implications for Applicants

Applicants from the affected countries can expect:

• Submission of additional documentation, including three-month bank statements, proof of funds, and authenticated academic transcripts

• More frequent verification checks with education institutions

• Enhanced biometric screening, including cross-checks with international law enforcement databases

Processing Time and Preparation

As a result of the enhanced scrutiny, student visa processing times are expected to increase from an average of three weeks to as long as eight weeks. Prospective students are advised to plan accordingly.

To minimise delays, applicants should ensure that:

• Financial documentation is complete, accurate, and verifiable

• Academic records and referee details are readily available for potential verification

• English language proficiency requirements are fully met and properly documented

Key Takeaway

Prospective students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan should anticipate tighter assessments and longer processing timelines when applying for Australian student visas. Early preparation and meticulous documentation will be critical to avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth application process.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA