Revival or risk? This controversial visa program could make a comeback!

The Australian political landscape is often a hotbed of debate and policy reversals, and the latest buzz from the Liberal Party is no exception.

Peter Dutton, a prominent figure in the Liberal Party, hinted at the revival of an axed visa program during a recent fundraising event. The conversation took place with Scott Yung, the Liberal candidate for Bennelong, and Min Li or Sandra Li, an immigration agent who has earned the moniker ‘The Queen of Immigration’ on Chinese social media. 

The visa program Dutton hinted at reviving is the Significant Investor Visa (SIV). Li, who posted a video of the exchange on a Chinese application, pressed Dutton on the return of the SIV, to which he responded, ‘I think we’ll bring it back.’

‘Whether we do it before the election… we’ll actually look at a different design for… you know we have to consider all of that,’ he elaborated.

The SIV program, launched under Julia Gillard’s government in 2012, was designed to attract foreign investment by offering a streamlined path to residency for those willing to invest a minimum of $5 million in Australia.

The visa had no age limit, no education requirements, and no English test, making it an attractive option for wealthy investors.

However, a Productivity Commission report raised warnings about the potential for money laundering and other nefarious activities associated with the program.

Despite the visa program’s scrapping by the Albanese Government, Dutton’s recent comments suggest that the Liberal Party is considering a redesign of the SIV.

‘The investment visa provides an opportunity for people to invest capital, that’s exactly what we want from our migrant program,’ Dutton stated, emphasising the economic benefits of such investments.

‘As Immigration Minister, I brought in a record number of people through different visa programs and we did it in a responsible way,’ he continued.

Map of Australia
The government replaced SIVs with skilled worker visas.

The government’s previous decision to axe the SIV program, also known as the ‘golden visa,’ is part of a broader immigration overhaul aimed at prioritising skilled worker visas—visas designed to attract individuals with the expertise and talent to make substantial contributions to the country’s economy and society.

After the government found the SIV was ‘delivering poor economic outcomes’ and was used for corruption, it was replaced with more skilled worker visas instead.

‘For far too long corrupt officials and kleptocrats have used golden visas as a vehicle to park their illicit funds in Australia and arguably hide their proceeds of crime,’ Clancy Moore, Transparency International Australia’s chief executive, told BBC at the time.

As the debate continues, it’s essential to stay informed about how such policy changes could affect the fabric of Australian society. 

What are your thoughts on the potential return of the SIV? Do you believe it will benefit the country, or are you concerned about the risks it may pose? Share your opinions with the YourLifeChoices community.

Also read: Political party unveils transport plan to slash commute costs

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

1 COMMENT

  1. No way, it is giving preferential treatment to wealthy aliens, and giving them accelerated access to citizenship.
    This at a time when there is a critical shortage in housing for established Australian Citizens, is NOT going to help with that housing shortage, as a matter of fact it will make it worse !!

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