78 percent drop in Australian student visas for Indians

Australia, 5th July: According to the latest official figures made public by Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship 
(DIAC), there has been a fall of 78 percent in the number of Australian student visas for Indians.

The decline in the Australian visas for Indian students has been clearly visible in the period from July 2009 to March 2010 when the total number of Australian student visas issued was just 11,862. 

On the other hand, a total of 54,574 Australian visas were granted to Indians wanting to move to Australia to study there in 2008-09. 

This shows a decline of 78 percent in the number of Australian visas issued, figures by the Australian immigration department show. 

Australian immigration has introduced tougher Australian visa norms for international students wanting to move to Australia and get permanent residency there after completion of their studies there. 

The significant fall in the Australian visas issued to Indians is also being attributed to increased number of racial attacks on Indians living in Australia which resulted in the death of an Indian student Nitin Garg who was pursing studies in Australia.

Meanwhile, the Australian government has been doing all efforts to reassure Indians that Australia still is a safe place to live in the world. 

Also, the changes introduced in the Australian student visa rules are, in no way, meant to restrict the entry of those whose main 
motive is to move back to their native countries after successful completion of their study courses in Australia, assured Australian immigration minister Chris Evans. 

Nonetheless, majority of Indians planning to move abroad are exploring alternative options as they don’t want to put their lives at a risk 
by immigrating to Australia. 

Security and safety of their lives is, undoubtedly, a cause of great concern for Indians wanting to immigrate overseas, and this is going to have a great impact on the overall figures of Indians immigrating to Australia, asserted regional director of IDP Network( provider of international education services, South Asia), Harmeet Pental. 

The Australian immigration department has clarified that all overseas students who had been in Australia before 8th February 2010 
and having postgraduate Australian student visa, higher education or vocational education are eligible for Australian PR(permanen
residency) provided the occupation chosen by them is there on the new Australian SOL(Skilled Occupation List). 

Another option is to complete their study course in Australia and then apply for Australian temporary skilled graduate visa.