Australia pm against mail order brides
You're likely referring to the controversy surrounding the Australian government's stance on mail-order brides.
In 2019, the Australian government introduced a new visa program aimed at reducing the number of foreign nationals entering the country as "brides" or "fiancées" of Australian citizens or permanent residents. The program, known as the "Partner Visa" or subclass 820/801 visa, allows eligible partners to live and work in Australia.
However, concerns were raised about the exploitation of women who were being brought to Australia as mail-order brides, often with limited English language skills and little knowledge of Australian culture. Some cases involved women being subjected to domestic violence, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation.
In response, the Australian government introduced stricter requirements for the Partner Visa program, including:
- English language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency to ensure they can communicate effectively in Australia.
- Character requirements: Applicants must meet strict character requirements, including a police certificate from their home country and any countries where they have lived for the past 12 months.
- Financial requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a certain level of financial resources to support themselves and their partner in Australia.
- Relationship requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner, including evidence of shared financial responsibilities, social media activity, and other forms of communication.
The Australian government has also increased funding for organizations that provide support services to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, including those who may have been brought to Australia as mail-order brides.
While the government's efforts aim to reduce the number of mail-order brides entering Australia, critics argue that the measures may also disproportionately affect genuine couples who are seeking to reunite or start a new life together.
It's worth noting that the Australian government has also taken steps to address the root causes of human trafficking and exploitation, including increasing funding for anti-trafficking initiatives and strengthening laws to combat human trafficking.
Overall, the Australian government's stance on mail-order brides reflects a commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, including those who may be vulnerable to exploitation.