Chennai: While sternly warning against any attempt to illegally enter Australia by breaching its maritime borders, Australia's Minister-Counsellor for Home Affairs based at Australian High Commission, New Delhi, Tara Cavanagh said her country welcomed legal migration.
“India is number one source country for skill migration and we continue to welcome Indians through proper channels and students choosing to study in Australia,” she said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after launching the Australian government's 'Zero Chance' campaign, at the Australian Consulate General here, Ms. Tara said Australia is one of the most sought after countries in the world for Indian students to study.
As per official estimates about 90,000 Indian students are pursuing studies in Australia since last year.
“The message of Zero Chance is simple - anyone who tries to come to Australia illegally by boat has zero chance of success. No one will succeed. Anyone who says otherwise is lying,” Ms Tara said about the campaign to save lives at sea and to deter vulnerable people from falling prey to 'people smugglers.' Through the campaign, Australia would continue to raise awareness of the dangers, consequences and utter pointlessness of attempting an illegal boat voyage to Australia.
The government will soon come out with advertisement as part of the campaign in Tamil Nadu, which aims to send a message that Australia's strong border protection policies are the same and so is its stance on people smuggling.
The campaign is a critical component of Operation Sovereign Borders - a military-led border security operation, and since its implementation in 2013, Australia has sent back 847 persons from 35 people smuggling ventures, to their country of origin or departure.
“There has not been a single case of illegal entry last year, but we are not taking chances,” she said replying to a question.
The campaign was launched in the presence of Superintendent Tim Sheppard, Counsellor - Australian Border Force, New Delhi, Detective Superintendent Murray Taylor — Australian Federal Police, New Delhi and Acting Consul General Michael Costa.
