It is timely; a very welcome step in the right direction and a pragmatic approach by the Albanese Government” said Mr Jim Varghese AM – National Chair of Australia India Business Council Ltd (AIBC), as the Federal Government announced recently that Australia will increase its permanent immigration numbers by 35,000 to 195,000 in the current financial year to mitigate skill shortages.
“In fact, AIBC has been calling for drastic changes to Australia’s immigration policy to attract young skilled migrants to Australia to sustain the economic growth as we were coming out of the unforeseen Covid 19 period,” said Mr Jim Varghese AM.
Elaborating AIBC suggestions for even more policy changes regarding skilled migrants Mr Jim Varghese said “Australia also needs to identify immediate strategies to attract international students and, importantly, utilise their skills for the benefit of the Australian economy. The large population of the skilled younger generation in India provides a huge opportunity. Skilled young international students need to have a smoother, faster, and easier pathway to migration in Australia.
During the Covid 19 period, international border closures also adversely impacted universities’ efforts in international research collaboration and student exchange programmes and contribute to bilateral programs. It will take considerable time for universities to regain the international students even though the borders have opened now. Hence Australia needs to also look at a different model or identify immediate strategies in consultation with all stakeholders to attract international students and, importantly, utilise their skills for the benefit of the Australian economy.”
Mr Varghese further stated that “India is an especially important economic powerhouse for Australia and is part of the Quad. We must deliver on the Modi / Morrison Virtual Summit. We would like to see the outcomes of the recently signed Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) effectively implemented. AIBC through its ongoing engagement with Federal and State Governments, its industry partners including the Business Council of Australia, the Export Council of Australia, will continue to identify strategies to maximise on Australia India Trade “
As also reiterated during the recently held Australia India International Business Summit in Sydney, AIBC considers that alignment of Australia’s immigration policy to its trade and economic policy will be one such strategy and a key to success to bilateral trade relations.