MIGRANTS shared their concerns with visiting Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge in Joondalup recently.
Moore MHR Ian Goodenough hosted a morning tea in his office on April 13 for a group of 20 migrants he has been working with to resolve ongoing immigration issues.
The group included people from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Sudan, Singapore and Vietnam, who voiced concerns as well as praise for Australia’s current immigration conditions.
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READ NOW“Australia is the most successful multicultural country in the world because we’ve integrated people so well and we need to maintain that, but it’s important that we get the settings right,” Mr Tudge said.
Sitesh Bhojani, a Kenyan born Australian citizen said she was grateful to Mr Tudge for his willingness to take action.
“It is a mark of good government that he has not only listened to our concerns but has given us a time frame to follow up with action,” she said.
There are currently 99 visa classes and some of the issues raised focused on bridging, protection and humanitarian visas as well as the aged parent visa and the 410 retirement visa, which is no longer available.
Mr Goodenough said the government introduced citizenship reform legislation last year to increase the level of English language competency required, and extend the qualification period to four years.
“A level of English competency equivalent to junior high school level is essential for finding employment and participating in society,” he said.
“The four year waiting period may be considered a probationary period for demonstrating good citizenship.
“Since 2014, more than 3200 permanent residents were deported for committing crimes with jail sentences of 12 months or greater imprisonment.”
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