Australia, 30th June: Nearly 150,000 Australia Visitor Visas have been granted to Indians during 2015-16 program.
Yes, that’s true. This has been affirmed by Australia High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu.
<blockquote> Nearly 150,000 Australia visitor visas have been granted for Indians. </blockquote>
The issuance of such a large number of Australia visitor visas is a clear sign of growth of relations between the two nations, Sidhu said. It’s a positive milestone. It underlines the fast expanding links between the two nations, she stated.
150,000 Australia visitor visas issued first-time ever in a single year--This is the first time ever that Australia has reached the landmark of 150,000 visitor visa approvals for Indians in a single year, Ms. Sidhu maintained.
It may be notable that India’s ranking improvised to 8th from 11th largest inbound tourist destination for Australia. Ms. Sidhu stated that more and more Indians are now travelling to Australia. This includes Indians coming to Australia for business, study or for tourism. In addition, many Indians come to Australia for visiting their families too, she clarified.
It needs to be worth mentioned that for the program year 2013-14, Australia High Commission had issued a high of 100,000 Australia tourist visas. It was way back nearly two years ago. Australia enjoyed an increase of 19 percent of Indian arrivals on Australian soil during 2015-16. This is the highest ever in the last seven years period.
Australia, in a special move, honored the increasing number of Indian tourists by offering a special prize. This was offered to the 150,000th person getting Australia tourist visa. At a function, Harinder Sidhu felicitated Mrinal Dutt and his wife Kanika, the 150,000th tourist visa holder.
She also congratulated the Indian couple and gave them a prize that will let them climb the historic Sydney Harbor Bridge. It will remind them of Australian adventures.