2015 Budget Immigration Highlights
- Funding to international aid reduced by a further $1 billion from 2014-15
- $14.5 million being allocated in 2015-16 for an expansion of the Adult Migration English Program to include refugees on temporary visas
- $22.1 million over four years to support young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to build skills to improve their participation in education and work ( in Social Services portfolio)
- Funding to international aid reduced by a further $1 billion from 2014-15
- Working Holiday visa holders no longer be eligible for the tax free threshold on earnings and will pay 32.5% tax from the first dollar earned
- Free trade agreement with India opening the possibility of Working Holiday Visas for Indian nationals
- Increase scrutiny and transparency surrounding foreign investment in agriculture and agribusiness
- Net loss of over $8 million to the Department over four years by not requiring lawyers to register as RMAs
- Saving of $1 million by merging the OMARA back into the Department
Source: MIA
