Immigrants applying for a partner visa will now have to pass an English test under new plans.
The measure was announced on Tuesday as part of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's 2020 Budget address.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new test would promote social and economic inclusion.
Partners of immigrants will now have to pass an English test if they want to apply for visa (pictured, people fly into Australia from NZ during COVID-19 pandemic)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new test would promote social and economic inclusion
'It's a much more basic level of English language competency and we think this is important to just enable people to engage to access government services,' Mr Morrison said on Wednesday.
'For example, to engage with those who are seeking to assist to access and get the best possible medical treatment to understand what teachers are saying at school at parent-teacher conferences, to understand their rights.'
The announcement has been slammed by the opposition, who claim the new rule ignores Australia's multicultural values.
Andrew Giles, a Labor MP and the party's spokesman for Multicultural Affairs and Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship, said the government needs to understand the impact of the new measure.
'It's come about without any context ... and it seems to reflect an understanding of Australian society that's anchored in the past, that doesn't recognise the multicultural nation we are today,' he told SBS.
Andrew Giles (pictured), MP and Labor's spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs and Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship, said the government needs to understand the impact the new measure will have
People can apply for partner visa from inside or outside of Australia.
It can set applicants back more than $7,000.
Applicants are often allowed a bridging visa while their visas are processed.
Other visa changes announced on Tuesday include waiving or refunding application charge for temporary visa holders affected by the COVID-19.
There is also a push on the Family Stream Visa, with a temporary application increase from 47,700 to 77,000.