Government in Australian immigration tests debate
September 28 2009 by Mark Johnstone
Australia immigration minister Chris Evans
Australia's government has begun debating changes to the controversial citizenship exams for migrants to the country.
The government wants Australian visa applicants to be more aware of their rights and responsibilities rather than examine a general knowledge of sport and culture.
The tests have come under fire by immigration rights groups as discriminating against migrants from non-English-speaking countries.
The current Australian government wants to make the tests more relevant, to help prospective citizens settle more easily after making the move to Australia.
The Australian parliament has been debating changes to the legislation that would see updated questions asked about gender equality, compulsory voting and the country’s legal system.
Immigration Minister, Chris Evans said the amendments would help migrants better understand their responsibilities while they live and work in Australia.
Critics of the current tests have said that the current process was a waste of money, did little to help migrants integrate into society and discriminated against those from a non-English-speaking background.
Migrants must pass the citizenship examination to become Australian citizens.
See the latest Immigration News
