IT JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE EXPENSIVE TO MIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA

Just before Australia's caretaker provisions were in place, Immigration Minister increased the charges for a range of onshore and offshore visa applicants. 

 

On 5 August 2013, Tony Burke, the Minister for Immigration, signed a legislative instrument. The Minister did not issue a media release about these changes, inviting suggestions that he wanted to avoid scrutiny. 

 

Under the  includes the controversial 457 temporary work visa charge for applicants will rise.

 

Partner visas for married, de facto and same-sex couple will increase again.

 

The Aged Contributory Parent visa designed for uniting families will rise by 4300 dollar to 29,130 etc.

 

While the onshore Protection visa will rise modestly from 30 to 35 dollar; its offshore cousin will rise by 400 dollars to $3080. 

 

As the Convenor of Migration Alliance, Australia's largest organisation representing registered Migration Agents, I express my disappointment.

 

The government of the day increase visa charges for applicants believing it is taxing non-citizens. This is a very narrow outlook on the role migration plays throughout the Australian economy and society.

 

In reality, the Australian Government is adding to the burden of Australian businesses who are suffering from skilled shortages. These increases come on top of an increase of red tape for the populare 457 visa category.

 

Further, the Immigration Minister is basically taxing Australians who want to partner and start a family. Even refugee applicants are affected.

 

Migration Alliance is calling for a moratorium of visa charge increases for 18 months. The compounding increases of visa charges are creating an expensive and burdensome migration system with unintended consequences.

 

Visa charge increases will take place on 1 September 2013. 

 

The schedule of changes can be found by clicking this link: