Nepal has become the ninth largest source of immigrants to Australia. According to the 2014-15 Migration Programme Report, a total of 4,130 Nepalis were granted Permanent Residency visa in the country.

India accounts for the largest number of migrants followed by People’s Republic of China. United Kingdom, Philippines, Pakistan, Irish Republic, Vietnam, Republic of South Africa, Nepal and Malaysia fill up the list 

respectively.

The number of migrants has dwindled slightly compared to last year. By this time last year, 4,364 Nepalis were granted the PR. “The figure is normal taking into account the students who have come to Australia,” said Sanjeev Pandey, secretary at the Australian Education Consultancy Alliance.

Out of the visas granted, 68 percent are under General Skilled Migration and the remaining 32 percent relate to Family Migration. Experts predict the figures could rise next year due to the number of Nepali students already settled in Australia.