Australia now safer for Indian, other foreign students

Melbourne, Jan.19 (ANI): If Gautam Gupta, the spokesperson of Federation of Indian Students of Australia Inc (FISA) is to be believed, the Australian state of Victoria, which was at the center of racially-motivated attacks, especially on Indians, is "now more safer as it was three years back".

Talking to ANI TV, Gupta said that a number of suggestions have been accepted by the Australian Government that ensure the safety of Indians and members of other communities.

Indian students are now of the view that Australia is a safe country for them.

Racial attacks on Indian students had given a bad name to Australia, prompting over 40,000 students of Indian origin to leave the country for other parts of the world.

Gupta spearheaded a movement for the rights of Indian students when the racist attacks on them were at its peak.

Timy Sidhu, who comes from Moga in Punjab, said the situation vis-à-vis Indian students, has visibly improved in comparison to last year.

"Now, there is no fear while traveling in public transport and even we are getting jobs without any discrimination," he said.

Honey, a student from Majitha, Punjab, who is in Melbourne for a hair dressing course, said that the Australian Government has introduced strict changes in immigration laws that were a matter of concern to many.

Harry Joura, a real state agent, who has been in Australia for the last eight years, believes that there is still a communication gap between Indian and Australian students that needs to be removed, and suggested the introduction of more interactive programs.

These views were expressed shortly before the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to Australia for the third round of the India-Australia Framework Dialogue with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd. By Ravinder Singh Robin(ANI)