Liberal Democrats senator-elect David Leyonhjelm has proposed an open door asylum-seeker policy that would charge people $50,000 for permanent residency in Australia.

Mr Leyonhjelm, who will join the Senate on July 1, will be one of eight senators from minor parties who will hold the balance of power in the upper house.

Compassion for a fee: David Leyonhjelm wants to charge asylum seekers $50,000 for entry into Australia. Credit:James Alcock

He wants to keep access to welfare and other benefits exclusive to Australian citizens and then open up the nation's front door to asylum-seekers - at a cost of $50,000.

"People are coming to Australia, they don't have work skills but they still find it attractive from a welfare point of view," he said.