The Australian Government says it will test changes to visa arrangements in key markets in a bid to boost visitor and investor numbers. The announcement has been made during the federal budget.
These will include a user-pays visa fast-track service for nationals from India and the United Arab Emirates, and a three-year multiple entry visa for low-risk nationals from India, Thailand, Vietnam and Chile.
The measure is expected to raise revenue of $1.5 million over four years from 2016-17.
Treasurer Scott Morrison says the strategy builds on the 2015-16 MYEFO measure which included a trial of a user-pays visa fast-track service for Chinese nationals.
The Government also says it will save $180 million over three years from the next financial yearby improving automation in visa processing, providing self-service options and using more sophisticated assessment capabilities.
Changes in passport fee
Passport fees are set to increase from the 1st of January next year.
The cost of each new passport will increase by $20 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
The fee for priority processing of passport applications will increase by $54.
The government says this measure will raise $172.9 million over four years from 2016-17, which will be used by the Government to help offset the increased cost of providing consular services and fund policy priorities.
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Budget 2016: major highlights
