Share on Twitter
Requiring immigrants who apply for a partner visa to pass an English test would be a paternalistic measure that will tear families apart, refugee and women s advocates say.
The Department of Home Affairs is considering adding a language requirement for partner visa applications. Under the proposal, both the person applying for the visa and the person sponsoring the visa would have to pass the English test.
A consultation paper issued by the department says the measure would protect potential victims of violence by encouraging them to learn English. Migrants who do not have sufficient English language skills may be more vulnerable to family violence and other exploitation, the paper states.