There were some interesting announcements in this budget for the Immigration area. We summarise the key points.
Funding and savings:
- cost of providing migration and citizenship services is estimated to be reduced from $807 million to $744 million
- revenue from visa application charges is estimated to increase to $2,541.7 million. This is an increase of $394.4 million and there is no detail as to how this increase will occur
- there will be additional investment to improve scrutiny of visa processing and passenger screening, and clearance of visitors and goods at our borders
- $130 million to upgrade the Department of Home Affairs ICT infrastructure for visa processing, identity management and threat analysis.
Visa program changes:
- a new visa for General Practitioners will be introduced to target areas of doctor shortages
- a pathway to permanent residence for Retirement Visa holders and Investor Retirement visa holders will be introduced. The Investor Retirement Visa is to be closed to new applicants.
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
