“We are an ageing nation and you are a young nation, so we need more of you as doctors, engineers and IT professionals in Australia, ” was Australian Minister for Immigrations and Citizenship Chris Evans’ message to Indians.
He met Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Monday.
“India is our second largest source of migrants. Soon it will be the largest,” Evans said, stressing on the multicultural ethos of Australia.
“We are a multicultural, migrant country, including me. I am Welsh,” he said.
“Indians have been there since 1860s. They are proud of their heritage as well as of being Australians.”
While calling the “criminal” incidents of attacks on Indians “terrible”, he cautioned: “Don’t take these incidents out of context as part of a pattern, as racist. These are criminal acts. A balance in picture is required.”
He said policing was a crucial issue, and Indian should not be afraid of reporting such matters to the police. The incidents, he said, took place either in poorer neighbourhoods or around railway stations, which were more crime-prone.
He sought to reaffirm safety and security to all immigrants and international students there.
{{/usCountry}}He sought to reaffirm safety and security to all immigrants and international students there.
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