India for 'prospective' implementation of Oz migration policy

Melbourne, Jun 16 (PTI) India has impressed upon
Australia to implement the changes in its migration policy
"prospectively" and "not retrospectively" so that they do not
have adverse impact on Indian students studying here.
Vayalar Ravi, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister, who is
currently on a five-day visit here, held talks with Foreign
Minister Stephen Smith, Trade Minister Simon Crean, Minister
for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans and discussed
various bilateral issues, including welfare of the Indian
diaspora.
Under the new migration rules, the Rudd government has
trimmed the skilled occupation list (SOL) for getting
permanent resident status in Australia from the earlier 450 to
150. The SOL now does not comprise popular courses like hair
dressing and cookery among others, which were popular among
Indian students seeking permanent residency here.
Raising the issue of changes made in the country's
migration policy in February, Ravi impressed upon the
Australian government that these proposed changes should be
effected prospectively and should not have retrospective
effect.
"Since there is a large number of affected Indian
population, especially the students who had come under the
previous immigration rules, the Indian government will be
trying to seek appropriate transitional arrangements as part
of this new policy," said an official statement.
There are some one lakh Indian students studying in
Australia in various courses. Protests and rallies have been
held by various international student bodies since the
proposed changes to Australia's existing migration policy were
announced.
Ravi also met Premier of Victoria John Brumby and
discussed with him possibilities of the province helping the
students find employment under the state sponsored immigration
policy.
The minister also met leaders of the Indian community
and the Indian diaspora. His visit to Australia is aimed at
building confidence of the Indian community which was facing a
spate of attacks.
The Overseas Indian Affairs Minister will also pay a
two-day visit to New Zealand. PTI