Securing the benefits of migration

Skilled Migration Programme

Australia experiences a range of social, cultural and economic benefits from immigration. Skilled migration brings in people of working age together with their dependants, which assists in meeting Australia's labour market needs. Skilled migrants add to the economic capacity of Australia.

In 2007-08 the Government will increase skilled migration by 5,000 places, taking the total to 102,500 places. The overall Migration Programme will rise to a maximum of 152,800 places.

Humanitarian Programme

The Government will continue to provide 13,000 places in the Humanitarian Programme in 2007‑08. An additional $209 million will be spent over four years on a series of programmes designed to assist humanitarian migrants to thoroughly integrate into Australia's broader society. This includes $128 million additional support for newly arrived humanitarian entrants to learn English.

Citizenship Test

The Government will spend $124 million over five years (including $19 million in 2006‑07) to implement a Citizenship Test

for prospective Australian citizens and initiatives to enhance the integration of permanent residents and long‑term temporary residents. The test aims to inform migrants about Australian values and promote social cohesion.

Combating illegal immigration

The Government has committed more than $1 billion since 2004‑05 to support its ongoing commitment to border security and the integrity of Australia's immigration system. This budget provides an additional $85 million for these purposes including to combat people smuggling.