Australia considering stricter screening laws for migrants

MELBOURNE: Australia is planning stricter screening process for migrants wanting to settle here after the country has been hit by the controversial case involving Indian Doctor Mohammad Haneef.

Immigration minister Kevin Andrews is now planning to toughen the screening process for migrants waiting for permanent residency in Australia, ABC reported on Wednesday.

Migration officers will be given special training to enforce tougher conditions on migrants wanting to become permanent residents, it said.

The move is part of toughening of screening process for migrants outlined by federal Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews during a speech at the Sydney Institute on Tuesday night.

Andrews said greater emphasis will now be placed on a person's capacity to integrate into the Australian community.

Adaptability, resourcefulness, knowledge of Australia and attitude towards learning English will be some key area of concern.

"The intention of the provision is to ensure that applicants have the ability to cope with the problems associated with settlement in a new environment."

"They should have the capacity to integrate into the Australian society, in the case of family unit are supportive, cohesive and united in their desire to settle in Australia," he said.