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Category: Covid-19

Trump suspends foreign work visas amid the downturn

Hopefully we have a Prime Minister here in Australia who is capable of seeing ‘the bigger picture’ and is aware of the essential need for foreign skilled workers in the long-term – unlike President Trump whom it seems who is soon to sign an executive order suspending foreign work visas during the downturn. The restrictions …

Hopes of family reunion confirmed and then dashed

When the Department of Home Affairs make ‘clerical errors’ that cause heartbreak to families, especially during these incredibly difficult times, it is so disappointing. Really feel for this family who had 10 minutes of joy only for their hopes of a reconciliation be dashed just as quickly. Read the full story from SBS here: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/heartbroken-family-stranded-outside-australia-gets-travel-exemption-for-ten-minutes-due-to-a-notification-error

‘Neglect’ of temporary visa holders during Coronavirus

Temporary visa holders are being neglected by the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, refugee advocacy groups have told a parliamentary inquiry. Refugee support groups are experiencing a surge in demand for support services as those excluded from government coronavirus programs turn to them for help.  Groups including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre have …

Indian students stuck offshore and running out of visas seek exemption from Australia’s travel ban

The Australian government on Friday announced that it will consider allowing international students back into the country as early as July, but stopped short of providing a specific timeline, leaving thousands in limbo. For international students who have been stuck in India for the past two months due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, July may …

Australia’s migration intake to fall 85 per cent due to coronavirus

According to Scott Morrison, Australia’s migration intake is likely to fall by 85 per cent due to coronavirus. Australia’s overseas migration intake is expected to shrink by more than 85 per cent on 2018-19 levels next financial year due to widespread travel bans brought on by the coronavirus. Addressing the media following Friday’s national cabinet …

Update: Citizenship ceremonies commence online

UPDATE ON CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES: The government have started to conduct web-based conferral ceremonies and so far 170 people have taken the declaration online. Congratulations to those lucky people. It is suggested that soon over 750 people a day will be able to take the pledge online, so with some basic calculations and using the fact …

Illegal migrants hardest hit by the coronavirus – and this fact could affect the rest of the population

There are believed to be tens of thousands of unlawful migrants in Australia. Often hesitant to seek medical care due to fears of deportation, and living together in overcrowded accommodation, those supporting them say they are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands of unlawful migrants in Australia are at risk of destitution …

India suspends foreigners’ visas until 3rd May

Despite Australia seemingly getting to grips with the coronavirus curve and less and less cases being recorded, it is not quite the same in other parts of the world unfortunately. This is true in India, where the Government has suspended all existing visas granted to foreigners and all incoming passenger traffic into India through Immigration …

Good news for those awaiting their Australian citizenship ceremony

If you are one of the 85,000 people who have passed the Australian citizenship test and are just waiting to take the oath of allegiance – good news! The government have confirmed that ceremonies will take place online during the coronavirus outbreak. Australian citizenship ceremonies will be conducted online via video secure video link, with …

Covid-19 UPDATE – ALL TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS MUST READ THIS!

A new government initiative specifies and includes the Covid-19 Pandemic as an event for the purposes of an application for a Subclass 408 visa, under the type “Australian Government Endorsed Events”.This legislative change provides a pathway for eligible applicants to remain lawfully in Australia during the crisis.For more information read here then do the usual …