Race discrimination commissioner warns Australian partner visa changes could ‘segregate’ marriages

by Naveen Razik, SBS News

Commissioner Chin Tan said the government decision to add an English language requirement for partner visas had led to 'justifiable concern' among the community. 

Australia's race discrimination commissioner has urged the federal government to consult with key community stakeholders on a new English language requirement for partner visas, warning it could serve to "segregate" migrant couples.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan on Tuesday said the inclusion of the requirement in last week's federal budget came as a surprise to those leaders in the multicultural sector.

The peak body for migration agents in Australia, the Migration Institute of Australia, has also told SBS News it received no prior warning.

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