International students to be flown from Singapore to Darwin under pilot program deal struck by NT and Federal Governments
A COHORT of international students will be flown from Singapore to Darwin and put into quarantine in the Top End under an agreement struck by the NT and federal governments
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DARWIN could play host to the first batch of international students flown from Singapore to Australia under an agreement struck by the NT and federal governments.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s office confirmed on Monday that a cohort of about 70 international students studying at Charles Darwin University will be flown from Singapore to Darwin, should all go to plan, in late October as part of a pilot program to eventually get more to Australia’s shores.
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It is similar to the trial, also conducted in the NT, where 162 seasonal workers were flown from Vanuatu to Darwin for the mango season.
Mr Gunner on Monday also confirmed the Federal and NT governments had agreed that the Howard Springs facility would be used for the evacuation of Australians stuck overseas in special circumstances, just as had been done for those in the evacuation flights from Wuhan and the Diamond Princess passengers.
It is unknown if other Australians stuck in Singapore will be able to get on the flight with the international students, with the Chief Minister’s office indicating specific discussions would need to be had with the federal government.
The students will be those undertaking higher education and VET courses at Charles Darwin University and, like all arrivals, will pay $2500 to go into quarantine at the Howard Springs facility.
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The NT Chief Health Officer has approved the health and welfare plans that cover the students’ return, which include pastoral support to be delivered by CDU staff.
NT’s Property Council has already voiced their “strong support” for the plan, which executive director Ruth Palmer said would assist the “deeply struggling education sector”.
A spokeswoman for Charles Darwin University confirmed it was in discussion with both levels of government and more information would be made available once known.
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