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By Sanaya Jindal
June 3, 2023
Source: Australia’s 2023-24 permanent Migration Program
Family reunification holds a pivotal role in Australia, delivering social outcomes and fostering a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society by strengthening family and community bonds within the country. With the aim to address widespread skill shortages and support post-COVID economic growth, the Migration Program for the 2022-23 program year has allocated 73 percent of its resources to the Skill stream.
Acknowledging the impact of the pandemic, a greater emphasis on Family stream visas within the Migration Program has resulted in a significant reduction in the pipeline of Partner visa applications, which constitute the largest portion of the Family stream. While the focus has shifted towards addressing immediate skill requirements, the importance of family migration remains paramount.
Beyond their significant contribution to social cohesion, Partner migrants also make positive economic contributions. Studies have shown that each Partner migrant has a lifetime economic contribution per person of $1.3 million to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This economic impact underlines the long-term benefits of family reunification, extending beyond social bonds to encompass economic growth and prosperity.
By prioritizing family reunification alongside skill-based migration, Australia seeks to strike a balance between addressing labor market needs and fostering strong family ties. Recognizing the value that family migrants bring to the economy, efforts are being made to ensure that future migration policies reflect the significance of family reunification and its contributions to both social and economic spheres.
As Australia navigates the post-pandemic landscape, it remains committed to upholding its multicultural values and promoting the well-being of families through a robust migration framework. Family reunification will continue to be a vital component of Australia's migration program, as it actively contributes to the nation's social fabric, economic prosperity, and overall inclusivity.
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