MIA Notice No 68: 7 September 2017 Citizenship Bill 2017 - Senate Committee report released

The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee has released its Report on the Inquiry into the Australian Citizenship Bill 2017.

The Committee has made four recommendations:

Recommendation 1

3.122 That the Government clarify the standard for English-language
competency required for citizenship, noting that the required standard should not be so high as to disqualify from citizenship many Australians who, in the past, and with a more basic competency in the English language, have proven to be valuable members of the Australian community.

Recommendation 2

3.123 That the Government reconsider the imposition of a two-year ban on applications for citizenship following three failed attempts of the citizenship test, and consider other 
arrangements that allow additional tests on a cost-recovery basis that would deter less-genuine applicants.

Recommendation 3

3.124 That the Government consider introducing some form of transitional provisions for those people who held permanent residency visas on or before 20 April 2017 so that the current residency requirements apply to this cohort of citizenship applicants.

Recommendation 4

That the Senate pass the bill.

To view the full report visit www.mia.org.au