Australia unveils major changes to citizenship process

According to the Daily Telegraph more than 130,000 people from across 210 countries become Australian citizens each year.

Malcolm Turnbull’s announcement comes as US President Donald Trump prepares a executive order that will crack down on “guest worker visas” and enforce a policy to “buy American, hire American”.

The 457 visa scheme allowed Australian industries to employ foreign workers for a period of upto four-years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of local workers.

In a move that follows similar curbs on migrants by numerous developed nations around the world, Mr Turnbull revealed plans to abolish the 457 visas which are used by about 170,000 people and their families.

Turnbull said that the applicants will also have to prove a higher degree of proficiency in English and pass a citizenship test to show they have “Australian values” and can integrate into the Australian society.

Turnbull said the applicants would need a minimum level 6.0 equivalent of the International English Language Testing System, and a person will only become eligible for citizenship after four years as a permanent resident, up from one year.

The 95,000 people already in Australia on 457 visas will not be affected by the change.

So we’re abolishing. the visas that bring temporary foreign workers into our country.

“Any conduct that is inconsistent with Australian values will be considered as part of this process”, Turnbull will say.

Turnbull now feels that these tests are not enough to assess whether an applicant has understanding of and commitment to “Australian values” and responsibilities.

In a video posted on Facebook, the PM said the changes would be about putting Australians first. Since 2012, more than 500 foreign workers have been granted [BBC report] a 457 visa to work at businesses including McDonald’s, KFC and Hungry Jack’s.

A Noida-based IT professional Dheeraj Khanna, who worked as a project manager for a leading tech firm in Australia, believes it is more of a political decision.

The 457 visa was created to fill Australia’s skills shortage and allow holders to bring members of their family to Australia on 457 secondary visa.

Ms Templeman said she agreed that Australians should have the first pick of Australians job.

‘What we want to make sure is where there are long and enduring skills shortages in Australia, that Australians are being trained to do that work’.