Fairfax Media recently published leaked sensitive papers which reveal
possible changes to put migrants on probation before being deemed fit for
permanent residency and Australian citizenship.
The leaked papers were prepared for a meeting between the Department of
Social Services and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and
state how the Turnbull government hopes to save money by delaying welfare and
benefits to migrants, such as social security payments which become accessible
once permanent residents are granted Australian citizenship.
The changes would involve the creation of a new category of migrants,
referred to as ‘provisional migrants’. If the changes were to go ahead, moving
existing visa holders to the new category would make it more difficult to
obtain a direct pathway to permanent residence and subsequently, Australian
citizenship.
“This proposal has the potential to fundamentally change access to
social security payments for newly arrived migrants, who already serve a
waiting period before access to government services,” the document notes.
The leaked papers also discuss the national security committee and
cabinet discussions over the proposal’s potential flaws. It warns that reduced
access to social security could be in breach of international obligations and
that the reforms could create double standards by treating migrants differently
to Australian-born residents. It also questions whether the savings will be as
significant as The Department of Immigration and Border Protection expect.
Source: SBS News and Sydney Morning Herald.
