All Australian Visa Applicants Must Sign Australian Values Statement
Recently, the Australian Government announced the updates to the Australian Values Statement and announced the new regulation that all temporary and permanent visa applicants must now sign the Australian Values Statement.
The aims of these changes are to encourage migrants to assimilate and have a better understanding of Australia’s lifestyle and laws.
Hence, the Australian Government as such is emphasizing the existing values of freedom, respect, equality, and the rule of law.
What Is The Comparison From The Previous Australian Values?
For clarification, you can read the comparison of previous and updated Australian Values in Australian Values Statement below.
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| Previous Australian Values | Updated Australian Values |
|---|---|
| Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual | Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual |
| Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association) | Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association) |
| Commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to the law and should obey it | Commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to the law and should obey it |
| Parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular ‘laws’ | Parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular ‘laws’ |
| Equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or national or ethnic origin | Equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or national or ethnic origin |
| A ‘fair go’ for all that embraces mutual respect; tolerance, compassion for those in need; and equality of opportunity for all | A ‘fair go’ for all that embraces mutual respect; tolerance, compassion for those in need; and equality of opportunity for all |
| – | The English language as the national language, and as an important unifying element of Australian society |
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1. Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.
2. Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association).
3. Commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to the law and should obey it.
4. Parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular ‘laws’.
5. Equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or national or ethnic origin.
6. A ‘fair go’ for all that embraces mutual respect; tolerance, compassion for those in need; and equality of opportunity for all.
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1. Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.
2. Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association).
3. Commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to the law and should obey it.
4. Parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular ‘laws’.
5. Equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or national or ethnic origin.
6. A ‘fair go’ for all that embraces mutual respect; tolerance, compassion for those in need; and equality of opportunity for all.
7. The English language as the national language, and as an important unifying element of Australian society.
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From the comparison above, it is clear that in the updated Statement the Government is emphasizing the importance of English as the national language.
As Alan Tudge, the Acting Immigration Minister stated that migrants who want to stay in Australia permanently have to commit to demonstrating their efforts to learn English, so they better assimilate into the Australian community and increase their chances of getting a job.
However, there will be no new test or threshold associated with the change.
Meaning these changes on Australia Value Statement will not have much effect on your ability to immigrate if you feel unconfident in your English ability.
Who Should Sign This Australian Value Statement?
Regarding the statement signature, all visa applicants who are 18 years old or over must sign or accept the Australian Values Statement at the time of visa lodgment.
Specifically, Humanitarian visa applicants that are outside Australia must sign the statement during the interview process.
Applicants submitting the application in person will be asked to sign the statement while online applicants will be asked to agree to the statement as well.
How This Will Impact Your Visa Application?
This amendment to the Australian Values Statement might affect migrants and applicants that are not confident in their abilities in the English language or their ability to learn it.
Given that applicants are asked to sign and accept the Australian Values Statement at the time of submission of their application it is implicit that the visa applicant will have an understanding or a future commitment to learning the English language.
Amendments of this nature often are more of a political sentiment to appease the local population as opposed to creating an unwelcoming environment for immigrants.
This amendment may still cause concern and anxiety for visa applicants. ONE derland Consulting would be happy to alleviate your concerns and assist regarding any questions to this or any other regulations. Click here to connect with us directly.
When Will This Commence?
Starting from 15 November 2020, all Australian visa applicants are urged to sign and accept the updated Australian Values Statement.
Hence, all visa applicants and migrants have to follow the updated Australian Values Statement including showing a commitment to learning English to get a better chance to participate and work in Australia.
For further information, applicants can download Life in Australia Booklet here which is now provided with some community languages.
The Life in Australia Booklet will show you supporting information regarding the updated Australian Values Statement.
Put Your Concerns Aside! ONE derland Consulting Can Help!
The newest regulation of Australian Values Statement might raise your concerns about applying for an Australian visa but put your concerns aside because ONE derland Consulting will happily help you!
We also understand that applying for a visa to Australia is certainly very complex due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will help you assess your visa options. We have 98% success rate and one of the most recommended migration agencies in Australia. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
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Take the first leap and get in touch with us. Our migration agents are professional, honest and our team members are able to speak various languages such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, Polish, German and Russian. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online and it is 100% refundable if you become our client.
