Peak ethnic community body, The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has called on the government to review the high cost of new temporary parent visa.
FECCA is the peak national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.
FECCA said that high entry charges for parents coming to Australia under the new temporary parent visa are inequitable and fundamentally overlook the importance of immigration to Australia.
The proposed new temporary parent visa will allow overseas parents of Australians to stay in the country for up to ten years.
“Family reunion is integral for successful settlement, promoting social wellbeing and cohesion,” said Joe Caputo, FECCA Chairperson.
“The parents coming to Australia will make important contributions including caring for grandchildren and volunteering in their local communities.”
Mr Caputo continued: “Australian families with limited means, who may benefit the most from family reunion with parents and grandparents, will find it extremely difficult to sponsor their parents to come to Australia.”
“The opportunity to bring their parents to live or visit for extended periods should be available to all Australians – not just the wealthy,” he said.
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FECCA made a submission to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 5th May 2017 on this issue.
In its submission FECCA had welcomed additional options for family reunion while urging the Government not to remove or reduce existing more permanent parent visa options.
FECCA also emphasised that pathways to permanent residence are crucial in the implementation of temporary visa schemes.
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