Australia to start fast-track visa service for Indian nationals

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The Australian Government says it will test changes to visa arrangements in key markets in a bid to boost visitor and investor numbers. The announcement has been made during the federal budget.

These will include a user-pays visa fast-track service for nationals from India and the United Arab Emirates, and a three-year multiple entry visa for low-risk nationals from India, Thailand, Vietnam and Chile.

The measure is expected to raise revenue of $1.5 million over four years from 2016-17.

Treasurer Scott Morrison says the strategy builds on the 2015-16 MYEFO measure which included a trial of a user-pays visa fast-track service for Chinese nationals.

The Government also says it will save $180 million over three years from the next financial year by improving automation in visa processing, providing self-service options and using more sophisticated assessment capabilities.