Working class migrant families take a hit 

Working class migrants will find it harder to reunite with family and to support elderly relatives after changes passed in the 2016 and 2017 federal budgets come into effect.

To prove that they can financially support family members, migrants’ incomes must be double the previous requirement. From 1 April, the changes to the Assurance of Support Scheme mandate that a single person must earn $86,606 a year, and a couple $115,475 a year.

Also, pension access is being restricted, shifting the cost of taking care of elderly relatives to their families.

Currently, migrants can access a pension if they have lived in Australia for 10 years. From July, pension access will require 15 years of continuous residence, which can be shortened to 10 years if the person has spent a period of time working.

The changes will increase poverty levels for some migrants. Families will have to find ways to boost incomes, and the elderly may have to work past the age of retirement.