“Singh noted that this ministry remains actively engaged in addressing and monitoring issues concerning Indian students in Australia.”

The Centre informed Parliament on Thursday that, starting July 1, the fee for international student visas in Australia will rise from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.

Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided a written response in the Rajya Sabha to a query regarding whether Australia had recently more than doubled its student visa fees.

The minister was also questioned whether the Indian government had approached Australia to request a reduction in the increased student visa fee.

Singh confirmed that the Australian Government will raise the international student visa fee to AUD 1,600, starting from July 1, 2024.

The Minister of State for External Affairs stated that the issue, along with other concerns related to students, has been raised with the appropriate authorities in the Australian government.

The minister further stated that the increase in visa fees is likely to create financial difficulties for international students, including those from India, planning to study in Australia.

He emphasized that the India-Australia collaboration in education is a key aspect of the bilateral relationship, strengthening economic, academic, and cultural connections between the two nations.

Singh mentioned, “This ministry consistently engages with the Australian government to resolve and monitor issues affecting Indian students in Australia.”

In a different query, the minister was asked if the Indian government had implemented any infrastructure initiatives to enhance the safety of pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar.

In his written reply, Singh mentioned that the “Government of India (GoI) has been organizing the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra annually from June to September, using the two official routes—Lipulekh Pass This practice has been in place in Uttarakhand since 1981, with Nathu La Pass in Sikkim introducing it in 2015.

He clarified that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has been on hold since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions. “Throughout the Yatra, the Government of India implements several supportive measures, including the creation of a dedicated website to streamline and accelerate the registration and selection process, along with providing assistance.” communication.” with Yatris and a bilingual helpline.”

Singh highlighted that the Indian Government takes care of logistical arrangements for the Yatra, including lodging, meals, transportation, and porters, at the expense of the participants.

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