Australia to Open Door for Educated Indians

"We are making it easier than ever for tourists from the Asian region to visit Australia and contribute to our economic and cultural growth," Bowen said.

"We need to be able to take advantage of the expected increase in regional travel across Asia and the subsequent emerging tourist markets," he added.

To facilitate this, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is expanding its network of service and delivery partners to support online visa lodgement, multiple entry visas and longer visa validity periods.

"Visitors from China are of particular focus and the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen tourism cooperation between our countries will support a growing travel market," Bowen said.

Students from abroad boost Australia's economy by billions every year.

"We want to ensure that future leaders in the Asian region who are educated at our world-class institutions have positive experiences, fostering people-to-people links and supporting the cultural ties that protect our nation's interests in the region," Bowen said.

Streamlining the student visa assessment process will make it easier for people who want to study here, while post-study work rights for bachelor degree and PhD graduates will encourage skilled people to contribute to Australia's development, he said.

"He said that the rise of Australia's close neighbours has the potential to greatly benefit the nation over the coming century.

"The Gillard (Julia) Government's improvements to our migration systems and visa processes will mean that we are well prepared to welcome people from across Asia who will contribute to our economy and culture."

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