Australia's English test for partner visas could leave women at mercy of abusers, experts warn

Budget announcement that applicants must have made reasonable efforts' to learn language is greeted by concern

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The federal government's plan to force people seeking a partner visa to learn English could leave them without a safety net from family violence, critics have said, despite the Coalition's claim that the measure is aimed at protecting women.

The government announced in Tuesday's budget that from late 2021 it would require partner visa applicants applying for permanency to have made reasonable efforts" to learn English. The same test would apply to their permanent resident sponsors.