Decoding the new language requirements for partner visas

Migrant English Program (AMEP). Th e changes will con1e into effect in late 2021.

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

midst a fierce backlash from multicultural groups, the government seems to be back peddling from their Budget 2020 announcement that all those applying for partner visas, including their permanent resident sponsors, will need to undergo mandatory English language testing. Many have called this move regressive, reflecting the abhorrent White Australia policy of the past. (The White Australia policy starting in 1901 effectively stopped all non-European immigration into the countty and contributed to the development of a racially insulated White society. This policy was progressively dismantled between 1949 and 1973. )

Announced in the budget on 6 Oct, new partner visa applicants and permanent resident sponsors will be required to have 'functional level English'. Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate this through the completion of 500 hours of free English language classes through the Adult

But 24 hours after the announcement, amidst stinging conde111nation by multicultural groups and the Labor Opposition, the Acting Minister for Immigration Alan Tudge told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that nobody would be barred because of the new requirements.

I f no one is to be barred, then what is the point of this policy? The government's rationale is that English language proficiency is imperative for the easy assimilation of New Australians, and enables them to maximise their opportunities here; that knowledge of English is a vital tool for social and economic inclusion, and that it's also important for people's safety, particularly for women, to be aware of their opportunities, rights, and protections in this country.

Agreed that there is a need for learning basic English, but to tie that into partner visa approval is a draconian way to implement this require,nent.

Th e current COVID times are creating enough pressures on new migrants. Struggling under the pressures of changed work and lifestyle conditions, mental health challenges arising from isolation are also a cause for concern To have another pressure point thrust, albeit only in the future, will create additional frustration.

Clearly this is going to affect the lives of thousands. Currently there are 100,000 partner visa applications still to be processed, with a wait tin1e of 27 months. Adding English level testing for both applicants and their sponsors will only add to the bureaucratic red tape - the government has made mention of extra resources being allocated towards the adn1inistration of this sche,ne.

There is no clarity either about what exactly is meant by English language testing If one can speak and understand English but writing is a challenge, is that a fail? Or if one can write but there are gaps in the verbal communication, will that be a problem?

English language testing to allow for a better migration experience may perhaps be a good thought, but it seems to be one that has not been thought through well. Community consultation with input fron1 n1ulticultural sectors can allow for a more practical rollout rather than one-dimensional decisionmaking in the Dept of Immigration office in Canberra, distanced from the realities of the situation.

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High Flier

RAJNI ANAND LUTH RA reported on the inspiring story of Kumar, a mechanical fitter from India who rose to a career in the RAAF.

Tajinder Kumar wrote: People from all over Sydney and Melbourne are sending me pictures of Indian Link Newspaper. I can 't believe I am on the cover Your news was also picked up by news outlets in India - The Tribune Punjab, Midday News Mumbai and few other Indian newspapers and TV channels like Zee News , PTC, Punjab Kesri. The Tribune actually put my story on the second page. After reading my story in all these newspapers, I feel proud My family back home tear up while describing how people are calling and wishing them for my success. Thank you.

Amod D wrote: Truly inspirational!

Bhupen wrote: This is real progress. Congratulations to Tejinder India

Australia Wonder when do we see reverse happening? IAF should be open and welcoming such talent the way Australia is open.

Navlta Srlkant wrote: Way to go! Quad and India-Australia bilateral relations. From cricket to armed forces - a multiplier force.

VIJay Sappanl wrote: Congrats and always nice to see when someone dons the uniform. In Canada, our defence minister is an lndo -Canadian and a former officer.

Gurupratap Dsor wrote: Great effort.

Australia's High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell tweeted this arti cle with the comment: Indian Australian Tajinder Kumar w ill soon be inducted into the Australian Air Force as an officer - a long cherished dream he fulfilled thanks to his grit and determination. Tajinder ' s Australian journey began when he arrived from Punjab in 2009.

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Junior Masterchef

Melbourne lad Dev Mishra did us afl proud with his early cook on Channel 10 show Junior MasterChef: Lamb Mughlai and Smoked Chicken Kababs with saffron rice and cucumber raita.

Akldat Gazali wrote: That looked good.

Atiya Gazali wrote: They polished everything off the plates.

Suruchi Bhavsar wrote: Every Indian mum's dream come true!

Karen B wrote: What a very talented young man. Great future ahead. I am super pleased my new Indian neighbours plan to start up cooking classes. Their speciality, Indian food. Of course! I will be their first pupil! Can't wait.

Vandana Suri Mehra wrote: Such a great example of good parenting, teaching life skills! Congratulations Dev and his proud parents and brother!