International student working hours in Australia are now capped again. Will it end ‘horrifying’ cases of exploitation?

Riya Kattady says the reintroduction of a cap on working hours for international students in Australia will mean they will need to prioritise their studies. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

This week, Riya Kattady has been making coffee at home. With a reduction in working hours to come into effect for international students, takeaway has become a luxury she can’t afford.

“I have to think twice about my spending now,” she says. “I can’t just work extra hours … I have to save and plan things.”