Refugees in Australia could find it harder to bring family members from their troubled homelands if the government goes ahead with proposed changes to the humanitarian migration program.A discussion paper on the program was released on Tuesday, suggesting refugees fleeing war, violence and discrimination be made to take English lessons before they travel to Australia. But it also proposed tightening rules for people living in Australia who nominate others for resettlement visas. They could have to meet certain requirements, including a minimum one year period of employment, two years of residence, and prove they are financially literate.
In its discussion paper, the government suggests prioritising those with a proven track record of helping migrants settle under the humanitarian program, and those who are based in areas with worker shortages. It also says a limit may be placed on the number of people an individual or group can nominate.
But refugee advocate Pamela Curr said the plans would make it more difficult for refugees to be reunited with their families. "If they implement this discussion paper, they will effectively be blocking human beings from reuniting with their husbands, their wives. "Every human being has a right to their family," she said.
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But she applauded a government proposal to teach incoming refugees English. "That's a great idea," Ms Curr said. "Anything that assists people to settle in the community is something that we want."
In the paper, the government proposes expanding its Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program, which was first piloted in Kenya in 2003. The program, run by the International Organisation for Migration, currently provides people preparing to settle in Australia with a 15 hour information session covering the ins and outs of Australian life, laws, and settlement services.
But the government wants to include a basic introduction to English in the course and increase its length. "The scope exists to enhance and expand the AUSCO program to further improve the settlement prospects of humanitarian entrants through targeted curriculum development, increasing the length of the courses and incorporating an introduction English language training as a course module," the discussion paper says.
Parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb said English language skills were essential. "The ability to speak and understand English is fundamental to effective integration into the community and is crucial if people are to benefit from the education and employment opportunities offered by Australia," he said.
The Australian Democrats have slammed the plan. "I have a real concern that the government is creating a situation where refugees and migrants are again being targeted and division in the community is being fuelled," Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett said. "It is simply outrageous to impose English requirements on refugees fleeing war torn countries who may have lived for decades in refugee camps."
Last month, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley sparked a nationwide debate when he proposed forcing all new migrants to sign up to Australian values. The government then released a discussion paper proposing tougher citizenship laws designed to make immigrants wait longer for an Australian passport.
Under the plan, immigrants would have to sit a test to prove they understand Australian history, national symbols, culture and the democratic system, as well as English, before being granted citizenship. The government is inviting community feedback on the discussion paper.
Australia accepts around 13,000 people through its refugee and humanitarian program each year.