• MEET THE EXPERTS
  • OUR VISA SERVICES
    • EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS
      • LOOKING TO BE SPONSORED
      • LOOKING TO SPONSOR AN EMPLOYEE
    • GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION VISA
    • PARENT VISA
    • PARTNER VISA
    • TEMPORARY RESIDENCE / SHORT STAY VISAS
    • BUSINESS & INVESTOR VISAS
    • GLOBAL TALENT INDEPENDENT PROGRAM
  • FAQS
  • RESOURCES
    • NEWS
    • VIDEOS
  • VISA ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT
  • CONTACT US
Four CornersFour CornersFour CornersFour Corners
  • MEET THE EXPERTS
  • OUR VISA SERVICES
    • EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS
      • LOOKING TO BE SPONSORED
      • LOOKING TO SPONSOR AN EMPLOYEE
    • GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION VISA
    • PARENT VISA
    • PARTNER VISA
    • TEMPORARY RESIDENCE / SHORT STAY VISAS
    • BUSINESS & INVESTOR VISAS
    • GLOBAL TALENT INDEPENDENT PROGRAM
  • FAQS
  • RESOURCES
    • NEWS
    • VIDEOS
  • VISA ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT
  • CONTACT US

Migration Update: Temporary Visa Holders & Visa Applicants Affected By COVID-19 Crisis

Migration Update: Temporary Visa Holders & Visa Applicants Affected By COVID-19 Crisis

Migration Update: Temporary Visa Holders & Visa Applicants Affected By COVID-19 Crisis

March 25, 2020 News

In the last few days, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) has attended meetings with Acting Minister for Immigration Tudge and with very senior managers within the Department of Home Affairs about measures to protect and preserve the entitlements of temporary visa holders and visa applicants affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Government does not want to see temporary visa holders becoming vulnerable within the community and open to exploitation. A whole of Government approach is being taken within Home Affairs, Health and Social Security developing strategies to protect visa holders.

The Border Force Commissioner has been given powers to approve travel in compelling and compassionate situations. The Government is likely to put a framework around that which may include critical infrastructure projects, health and essential services, split families and temporary visa holders with a prior established residence in Australia and who were caught offshore by the most recent travel restrictions. Changes to the travel restrictions need to be approved by the National Security Committee of the Cabinet.

The MIA is encouraging the Government to prescribe the coronavirus pandemic as a national disaster in the Migration Regulations and then adopt of range of measures to assist visa holders accordingly.

Some of the measures the MIA have asked the Department to implement include:

  • Immediately waive visa condition 8503 for all visa holders currently in Australia so they can apply for other visas
  • Create a COVID-19 specific fee-free visa solution which allows work rights and access to Medicare for the duration of the emergency
  • Consider extending temporary visas automatically until 30 October 2020 in the first instance
  • Immediately remove LMT and SAF requirements

The MIA has also raised many visa specific issues and business sponsorship obligations in relation to the part-timing of jobs, leave without pay, stand-downs and retrenchments. The Department is aware that the skilled workers stood down now due to the many forced business closures will need to be re-engaged when those businesses are permitted to reopen.

The MIA has also raised matters pertaining to eligibility for Subclasses 186/187 TRT provisions, moving from the Subclasses 188/489 provisional visas to the permanent Subclasses 888/887 visas, and other visa eligibility and sponsorship obligations.

They have also discussed possible solutions for international students who can’t apply for Subclass 485 visas caught offshore by the pandemic and travel restrictions.

The good news is that the Government doesn’t want to see people become unlawful non-citizens. Temporary visa holders are encouraged to retain lawful status.


We will keep you updated as things develop. If you have concerns or questions about the above please get in contact with us on +61 2 8904 0100 or info@four-corners.com.au.

7
Share

You also might be interested in

A Winter Wonderland – Hobart

A Winter Wonderland – Hobart

Aug 25, 2017

We're investigating the lures of a Tasmanian winter. Nowhere in[...]

457 Visas – What’s Happening?

457 Visas – What’s Happening?

Aug 15, 2017

Food for thought 2017 has seen unprecedented changes made to[...]

4 Tips to Get Ready for Sponsorship by an Australian Employer

4 Tips to Get Ready for Sponsorship by an Australian Employer

Feb 17, 2020

First, make sure your CV is up to date and[...]

Latest News

Final Visa Updates For 2020

Final Visa Updates For 2020

December 22, 2020

With Christmas just around the corner and nearing end of...

Migration Program Update & What’s Next?

Migration Program Update & What’s Next?

October 27, 2020

The team at Four Corners Emigration wanted to keep you all...

Most Commented Posts

  • Final Visa Updates For 2020 By Matthew Garvey on December 22, 2020 0
  • Quote – Samantha Riddel – UK – Partner Visa By developer on March 1, 2017 0

Recent Comments

Most Liked Posts

  • Australian TSS 482 Visa Holders Borrowing To Buy Their New Home By Matthew Garvey on March 9, 2020 25
  • New Visa Updates You Need To Know For 2020 By Matthew Garvey on February 26, 2020 20

Find us on

Keep up with our latest posts

Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Send Message
Logo

Four Corners has been providing immigration assistance to businesses and individuals for over 20 years. Contact us to receive your comprehensive migration strategy today.

Four Corners Australia

  • Sydney Office
  • Level 7, 50 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW Australia 2000
  • +61 2 8904 0100
  • info@four-corners.com.au

China Business

  • martin@four-corners.com.au

Four Corners South Africa

  • Cape Town Office
  • Ground Floor - State Street House, River Park, Gloucester Rd, Mowbray, Cape Town, 7700
  • +27 21 680 5026
  • info@four-corners.co.za

© 2021 — FOUR CORNERS. MIGRATION AGENT REGISTRATION NUMBERS 9789880 | 0635207 | 1170887

  • Home
  • Online Form
  • Contact
  • Family
  • General
  • Skilled Visa
Prev Next