Number of Indian students in Australia predicted to plunge

Natasha Chaku
Melbourne, Dec 30 (PTI) The number of Indian students in
Australia could plunge by a whopping 21 per cent in the coming
year as an off-shoot of unabated violent attacks and visa
scams, according to an official report released here
Wednesday.

In its latest prediction, Tourism Australia has said the
recent spate of attacks on students will result in 4,000 fewer
Indians coming to Australia, to study here next year.
"The downturn is expected in response to concerns that
the Indian community have had about safety," Head of Tourism
Australia's forecasting committee Bernard Salt said.
As the slide in inflow of Indian students comes about,
Australia could lose over USD 70 million in revenue, the study
said.
"What we are saying is that based on consideration of visa
applications, there is 20 per cent hit incoming number
Indians students in 2010," Salt said, adding that it was hard
to say wether this drop could be a "knee-jerk, one-year
reaction". (MORE) PTI NC
ANU


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