Melbourne, March 20 (IANS) With the return of international students, the Australian state of Victoria has experienced a positive boost for the local economy.According to data produced by the Department of Home Affairs, the number of on-shore student visa holders in Victoria has doubled to over 141,000, since international borders re-opened in 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.India, China, Vietnam, Nepal and Colombia are the top five countries supplying students and contributing to the 107 per cent jump."We are a welcoming state and it's great to see large numbers of students from all around the world back in Melbourne and regional Victoria -- they make us a more vibrant community," said Victorian minister for trade and investment Tim Pallas on Monday.As Victoria's third-biggest export revenue earner, international education generated A$6.9 billion ($4 billion) in 2021 and supported more than 40,000 jobs."International education supports tens of thousands of Victorian jobs and is a vital part of our economy -- that's why we are so serious about supporting the sector and its growth," said Pallas.Meanwhile, the state government has invested A$10 million to support new student arrivals and upgrade the Study Melbourne Hub.The Study Melbourne Hub supports students by providing legal advice and assistance in areas such as accommodation and employment.
--IANS ksk/
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