Australia takes a step back on immigration policy »

An international study has found Australia's performance has slipped backwards in terms of how well migrants integrate in their new countries. Between 2010 and 2014, Australia's score on the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) dropped by one point overall. Jessica Kinsella from The Australian National University (ANU) helped collate the Australian data, which focuses on providing migrants with the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as non-migrants. "The fact that Australia's policies are deemed less favourable for integration is disquieting given it is vital for social cohesion and ongoing prosperity," Ms Kinsella said. "We spend a lot of time on who we keep out and who we let in but it is just as important to look at policies affecting migrants already in Australia and the process of settling here." Thomas Huddleston of the Migration Policy Group in Brussels, which compiles the index scores from 38 countries, has been tracking international performance since 2006. "Losing the point on the MIPEX scale in 2013 raises questions about the future direction of Australia's traditionally inclusive integration policies," Mr Huddleston said. Australia was ranked eighth out of the 38 countries.