An inquiry into visa charges for migrants has been unveiled by the government, in a move that could see higher fees being introduced.
The Productivity Commission has been asked by the treasurer, Joe Hockey, and the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, to look into the impact of fees and other factors for both temporary and permanent visitors. The review will also consider the overall benefits and costs of permanent migrants.
The ministers said migration was regulated through a mix of qualitative requirements – such as skills, family connections, refugee status, health, and character – as well as costs and immigration quotas. The charges may be waived for refugees.
Earlier this week the government promised a crackdown on firms abusing 457 visas for skilled workers, by ensuring those on the visas were properly paid and that employers were not taking a fee from workers.
Friday’s statement stressed that “there are no plans to make significant changes to the migration program”.
Hockey said the objectives of the review were to:
• Identify future options for the intake of temporary and permanent entrants that improve the income, wealth and living standards of Australian citizens
• Improve the budgets and balance sheets of Australian governments
• Minimise administration and compliance costs associated with immigration
• Provide pathways both for Australian citizens to be altruistic towards foreigners including refugees
• For Australia’s international responsibilities and obligations to foreign residents to be met.
The Productivity Commission will consider how much future taxation can be derived from permanent migrants, and how migration levels affect Australian wages and living conditions.
The review will also look at the role temporary visas play in Australia’s migration program.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions raised concerns about that element of Australia’s migration program.
“Australian unions support permanent skilled migration over the use of temporary work visas,” president Ged Kearney told Guardian Australia.
“The government must ensure that changes to Australia’s migration program do not undermine employment opportunities for Australian workers and promote permanent skilled migration instead of the growing misuse of temporary work visas.”
The commission will engage in consultations before delivering its final report, which is due in 12 months.
