Australia issues the order to pass an English language test for the foreign partner of current residents getting a permanent visa<\/p>\n
The contentious immigrant requirement of the immigration is expected to be implemented from mid-2021 if the parliament approves<\/p>\n
Critics have claimed as a discriminatory act against the locals whereas calls it as an act to structure social coherence<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Almost one-fifth of the Australian population speaks a different language in their homes. This figure is more than 35%\u00a0 from Sydney and Melbourne.<\/p>\n
According to a member of parliament, Alan Tudge more than one million residents of Australia are not able to speak basic\u00a0 English. This extremely hinders their work and social work.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Labor opposition says these changes are similar to the situation that happened back in 1950.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The conditions for granting a partner visa differ from one country to another, such as Malta<\/a>, where\u00a0you need to submit a\u00a0spouse residency application, together with the required documents.<\/p>\n In other countries, such as Costa Rica, you can obtain citizenship by investment<\/a>, observing local rules.<\/p>\n As per the 2016 census, more than 300 languages were spoken in the country.<\/p>\n