Australia issues the order to pass an English language test for the foreign partner of current residents getting a permanent visa
The contentious immigrant requirement of the immigration is expected to be implemented from mid-2021 if the parliament approves
Critics have claimed as a discriminatory act against the locals whereas calls it as an act to structure social coherence
Over the past few years, Australia’s conservative government has made obligatory testing for immigrants on their English language skills. English proficiency has become a mandatory requirement for the criteria study and work-related visas. To qualify for Australian citizenship authority has declared that it is necessary to pass English tests.
Almost one-fifth of the Australian population speaks a different language in their homes. This figure is more than 35% from Sydney and Melbourne.
According to a member of parliament, Alan Tudge more than one million residents of Australia are not able to speak basic English. This extremely hinders their work and social work.
A free government program will be available for the candidates applying for the language test. This program will comprise of 500 hours of English class.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that partners can come to the country based on a temporary visa. However, for permanent residence, they must learn Australia’s first language.
Critics believe that this is an effort of discrimination against people belonging to non-Western countries. They highlighted how the same White Australia policy was used in 1901 until 1960 as an effort to prevent non-European immigration into Australia.
Labor opposition says these changes are similar to the situation that happened back in 1950.
Couples who are facing immigration issues believe it as an additional burden with all other requirements. More than 40,000 visa applications were accepted in 2017-2018 which us two times double the current figure.
The conditions for granting a partner visa differ from one country to another, such as Malta, where you need to submit a spouse residency application, together with the required documents.
In other countries, such as Costa Rica, you can obtain citizenship by investment, observing local rules.
As per the 2016 census, more than 300 languages were spoken in the country.
Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, since World War Two Australia witnessed the lowest drop in overseas immigrants this year.