Australia will require foreign partners of existing residents to pass an English language test before gaining a permanent visa, its government says. Critics have called the change “discriminatory”, but the government says it will build “social cohesion”.

In recent years, Australia’s conservative government has called for prospective migrants to face mandatory, rigorous testing on their English language skills. English proficiency is currently a requirement for some other work and study visas. Anyone applying for Australian citizenship must also pass an English test.

The new changes would also help protect vulnerable immigrants from controlling partners, Immigration  Minister Alan Tudge said. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said partners could still arrive on a temporary visa, but once in the country they should learn “Australia’s first language” to remain permanently.

The Labor opposition said the changes “take us back to the 1950s”.

“English proficiency isn’t a test of someone’s love,” said Andrew Giles, shadow minister for multicultural affairs. Couples facing the partner application process have told local media the requirement is an “additional burden” to the existing tests. Currently there is a two-year waiting period for permanent partner visas, and applications start from A$7,715 (£4,260; $5,500).

This year, Australia is forecast to see its first drop in net overseas migration since World World Two due to the coronavirus pandemic.