Govt seeks advice on migration charges

The Abbott government has asked for advice on the use of entry charges to determine the intake of migrants.

The Productivity Commission will produce a report by March 2016 which will look at the benefits and costs of temporary and permanent entrants.

One of the options to be considered is making entry charges the main basis for selecting migrants, with no requirement relating to skills or family connections.

Health, character and security checks would remain in place, but all entrants would have a right to work and some access to welfare, education, housing and health care.

The charge could be waived for refugees.

Treasurer Joe Hockey said in a statement on Friday that changes to the system could improve the Australian economy.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said it would be an independent inquiry and the government had "no plans to make significant changes" to the migration program.