Released on = November 21, 2006, 3:56 am

Press Release Author = Ryan Rebutica

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Indian nationals have embraced a new system which allows
them to apply for an Australian Tourist visa over the internet.

Press Release Body = Indian nationals have embraced a new system which allows them
to apply for an Australian Tourist visa over the internet.

'Since the programme started in August this year, more than 200 visas have been
granted, the majority of them almost immediately,' Minister for Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone said today.

'In fact, 75 per cent of applicants using this service received their visa within
minutes.'

Small Business and Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said the Australian Government was
targeting the Indian tourism market as one our key emerging markets.

'India is a huge market for Australia. The Indian tourism market is forecast to grow
to 550 000 tourists by 2025, with a value of more $2 billion,' Fran Bailey said.

'Eco-tourism, shopping and sports are key activities for Indian tourists in
Australia. Through initiatives such as e-visas, we are making it easier for Indian
tourists to turn their dream of an Australian holiday into reality.'

Visa applications are lodged through a certified travel agent, known as a Preferred
Aussie Specialist, trained by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural
Affairs and Tourism Australia.

There are more than 100 Preferred Aussie Specialists in India helping to reduce the
time it takes for Indian nationals to get visas to visit Australia. About 10 per
cent of these agents currently have access to the e-visa service, with more expected
to be granted access in the near future.

'To further improve access to Australian Tourist visas for Indian citizens, my
department will be training more travel agencies in other Indian cities to submit
applications online,' Senator Vanstone said.

The number of Indian tourists visiting Australia has grown by more than 36 per cent
over the past year from 33 700 in 2004-05 to 46 025 during 2005-06.

- Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Web Site = http://www.nationalvisas.com.au

Contact Details = National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544