‘Australia’s new migration rules shouldn’t have retrospective effect’

India has noted to Australia that the proposed changes in their migration rules should not be retrospective in effect.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, who is currently on a five-day tour to Australia, made this demand during meetings with Australian leaders.

“Since there is a large number of affected Indian population, especially the students who had come under the previous immigration rules in Australia, the Indian government will be trying to seek appropriate transitional arrangements as part of this new policy,” the overseas Indian affairs ministry said in a statement.

Ravi held high level meetings on various issues and interests concerning the Indian diaspora with Australian leaders like Simon Crean (Minister for Trade), Senator Chris Evans (Minister for Immigration and Citizenship), Stephen Smith (Foreign Minister) and Martin Ferguson (Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism).

The meetings hold significance in view of the recent proposed changes in Australia’s migration rules.

“During his meetings, Ravi has impressed upon the Australian side that these proposed changes should be effected prospectively and not have retrospective effect,” the statement said.

The minister also held meetings with the leaders of the Indian community, various associations and Indian diaspora.

“His visit to Australia is aimed at building confidence of the Indian community and as a follow up of the assurances of the Australian government,” the statement said.

During the Melbourne leg of his tour, Federation of Indian Associations of

Victoria (FIAV) and Australian Indian Business Council (AIBC) organised a reception dinner in his honour at Collingwood Town Hall, Abbotsford. Leading members of the Melbourne Indian community and consulate officials attended.

The President of FIAV Vasan Srinivasan brought the minister up-to-date with the organisation’s activities in regards to the Indian community here.

The Minister said he was happy with this opportunity to interface with the community and impressed upon them, the seriousness with which the Indian government is dealing with the current situation pertaining to Indian students here, particularly the result of the meeting with Mr. Brumby. When asked by Indian Link and other members of the press, he chose not to comment and expressed his desire to keep the details confidential until the governments involved approved a public disclosure.

Ravi also visited New Zealand for two days to have interactions with the Indian community there.

Priya Rajan