Bill to tighten immigration laws in the offing

Government today said a bill tightening immigration laws for Indians moving overseas by providing more powers to police, would be finalised in the next two to three months after consultations with stakeholders including the Law Ministry.

"The Bill, whose draft was ready, would contain penal provisions against unscrupulous agents," Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi told reporters here.

The Bill would provide more power to the state police to deal with such persons, he said declining to elaborate adding talks had to be held with stakeholders including the Law Ministry.
 
On the racial attacks against Indian students in Australia, he said they (attacks) were actually "racial outbursts" by certain anti-social elements who robbed the students who were not staying in hostels or accommodations provided by the institutions.

"They were attacked especially during late night while they were coming back from their work", he said.
 
"There is no discrimination from the society. There are many nationalities in Australia," he said adding prime minister Kevin Rudd had assured India that his government would show zero tolerance towards racism in that country.

To a query, Ravi said Indian students going abroad should inform the Local Consul General or High Commission and remain in touch with them.

He said there were 97,000 students in Australia with several studying in the state of Victoria.
 
Ravi said an Australian delegation, comprising academicians, elected representatives and others was likely to visit major Indian cities including Delhi and Chennai and explain the situation in Australia.

They were expected to meet the chief ministers and media of the respective states.
  
To a query on Pakistan Supreme Court turning down Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh's mercy plea, Ravi said "it is disappointing. His whole family was waiting for his release".