Far from home in a place we thought was home
A number of international students have been dismissed from their part-time jobs, while still needing to pay for their tuition fees, their rent, their food, and especially for their own healthcare.
Dr Syeda Humayra
“Diversity and inclusion are about giving value to every human being, regardless our differences…
When I first came across the term: ‘Satu Malaysia’ I was intrigued by the idea of promoting ethnic harmony, national unity, and efficient governance, all integrated as one strong network. After the recent political succession in Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy, I was assertive that the motto would predominantly serve its cause. Being an international student from overseas, leaving behind my home and people for higher education was a difficult choice that I had to make. But I gradually adapted to this new place and people because I felt connected by love, respect and harmony.
But are we truly connected as one? Or we still considered as the outsider? These questions popped up in my mind and among several other foreign students as the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis escalated at an unprecedented rate. It is during times of crisis when you expect or require support from the people around you. So failing to receive that humanity in crisis can overburden a person mentally and emotionally.
On February 2020, the Malaysian government issued an Emergency Stimulus Package worth US$4.8 billion to counter the COVID-19 economical impact. The package implemented strategies to spur economic growth, promote investments, and encourage businesses to adopt automation and digitalization. The government devised several effective measures to mitigate the short-term impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. One of which is providing financial assistance to low-income households and Malaysian students.
https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/malaysia-issues-stimulus-package-combat-covid-19-impact/
As per March 2019 statistics, the enrolment of international students in Malaysia reached about 127,583 whereby 70 per cent were from private higher education institutions and 30,341 international students were enrolled in public sectors. The report also stated that Malaysia has made an average RM7.2 billion per year from revenue sources like tuition fees, living expenses and other services during a student’s course of study here. The average expenditure of an international student in Malaysia was about RM 46,000 per annum and can increase to RM88,000 per annum if family members come along too, as quoted by Education Ministry Secretary- General, Datuk Mohd Ghazali Abas during his keynote address at the Seminar on Internationalisation of Higher Education 2019. He also stated:
“Given the rising cost of education and other related costs at 10 per cent per annum, this sector is expected to generate RM15.6 billion when we hit our target of 200,000 international students by the year 2020”.
In his viewpoint, both public and private higher education institutions should work together to attract more international students as increasing the number of international students in Malaysia would contribute to the country’s economic growth.
(https://thepienews.com/news/malaysia-to-recalibrate-strategy-as-200000-target-looks-out-of-reach/)
Even though international students play a substantial role in terms of rendering economical sustainability in Malaysia; yet, there are no evident reports of providing any kind of aid or support to the international students here in Malaysia. It’s very disheartening for most of us staying here, as we expected at least some assistance or act of humanity. When I did a little more digging on this sensitive issue I found out that this wasn’t just happening in Malaysia, it’s happening all around the world.
Australia’s PM -Scott Morrison said during a press statement that if international students cannot support themselves, they should consider returning home. More than a million people in Australia on temporary visas, including international students, are excluded from the recently unveiled government assistance packages.
In Canada, hundreds and thousands of international students are left vulnerable amid the contagion. A stimulus package to support citizens has been already announced but the government is silent on providing any assistance or funding to the 155,000 international students in the province. A number of international students have been dismissed from their part-time jobs, while still needing to pay for their tuition fees, their rent, their food, and especially for their own healthcare.
Many international students are stranded in the UK as some had not bought their tickets home and are now facing grossly steep ticket prices. With their student visas expiring and insufficient funds God knows how they might overcome this situation. Some have returned their keys to landlords and are sharing accommodation with friends, while those without resources are looking out for shelter. Earlier, the UK government announced that it would come up with emergency legislation to stop landlords from kicking out tenants, but it is unknown whether it would come into effect in time or if non-UK citizens were covered by the law. On contacting the high commission for advice as per the university’s recommendation, a student was shocked by the response she received for her queries. The person answering the call told her that there was no advice and that she would have to take care of herself. He also said the embassy can’t help her if she gets contaminated by the virus.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/577219/students-uk-worried
The unfortunate stories of international students do not end here; the list still goes on:
Students priced out of purchasing tickets home due to skyrocketing prices even as airlines have started to ground their flights worldwide.
Students who have showed up at airports only to discover that a country has gone into lockdown and their purchased flights have been cancelled.
Students who are financially strained, not only in trying to purchase flight tickets back to home, but also in managing funds for rent, food, household and medical expenses.
International students who left their countries with dreams and aspirations are now in a dire situation. With nationwide lock down, they face only uncertainty and isolation.
Some have little or no access to basic and medical services, no access to childcare, and no support network. International students are losing their jobs, and worse, they are now barred from bringing their families, and those who have left after semester breaks are no longer given entry.
These are unprecedented times for all of us, and we need to ensure welfare of all international students so they don’t feel left out or unaccounted for in such a critical period. Therefore, we should appeal to the higher authorities to take action now and support us, regardless of our immigration status, race and origin. We should empower a strong, definite support plan for the COVID 19 outbreak in terms of the following:
Request for a special taskforce to gather information on students who need help and carry out donation methods especially for students who require assistance with rent, living and medical expenses, only for the current short-term situation.
Provide basic necessities such as food, water and other supplies to those who are infected and/or self-quarantined.
Plead the Government and respective High Commission to liaise with airlines, to come up with a provisional plan to fly students home in batches and at a further discounted price or if possible free of cost.
Get in mutually acceptable terms with immigration regarding re-entry, visa renewal and other related issues faced by internationals.
Get assistance from Universities to provide some waiver in visa fee/ tuition fee / hostel fee and time allocation to clear off dues or other payments as it might be difficult for most international students to receive money from their home countries, as all families are going through the same financial burden.
Enforce an emergency legislation policy to stop landlords from sudden termination of contract and allow tenants some time to pay off their rent during this critical period.
Collaborate with fellow student organisations, NGO’s and humanitarian agencies to promote fundraising activities and provide welfare assistance to international students who are in desperate need of financial and medical support.
Be more active on social media platform and form a Global International Student Aid Initiative to address issues, FAQ’s and feedback amid COVID 19 outbreak.
We must render assistance to all, through combined, strategized, supportive efforts, and provide resources to outreach especially those desperately in need.
“We may have all come on different ships but we’re in the same boat now” – Martin Luther King Jr.
