A Sydney couple in visa limbo has urged the federal government to introduce newly-announced changes to the family visa program now, instead of 2021, saying it would save "so much stress, heartache, financial strain [and] emotional strain".
Immigration Minister Alan Tudge on Monday confirmed a temporary concession for certain offshore applicants who can't travel overseas to be granted their visa, due to the coronavirus pandemic and border closures.
Unlike onshore applicants, offshore applicants would ordinarily have to make the trip from Australia to get their visa, but the change flagged for early 2021 will allow those eligible to stay.
The government estimates it will help about 4,000 applicants, mostly partner applicants.
"I know this will be a relief for those Australians who were concerned that their loved one may have to leave the country with no certainty as to when they could return," Mr Tudge said.
But while the change was been welcomed by applicants and advocates, for it to happen sooner to end the limbo for couples and families, some of whom may have visas expiring in coming months.
For Les Goldsworthy and his British partner Juliet Bland, who are now both in Sydney, the concession can't come soon enough.
"[It's] great news, definitely great news," Mr Goldsworthy told SBS News on Monday.
"But to look at it next year, rather than just going okay, let's just do it right now - it'd save so much stress, heartache, financial strain, emotional strain as well."
"So if the minister would just go yep, let's do that ... it would help out so many people."
Mr Goldsworthy and his partner Ms Bland, an offshore partner visa applicant, are currently trying to get by on his JobKeeper payments. As a tour guide, he's been unable to find work since March, and Ms Bland isn't allowed to work or study while the visa process is ongoing.
"We don't want to be apart. It was hard enough for me to get here to be with him and get permission to enter the country," said Ms Bland, who is in Australia on a visitor visa.
Mr Goldsworthy urged the introduction of the early-2021 changes now, and for offshore applicants to be given the same rights as onshore applicants.
Amelia Elliott, who runs a Facebook group for visa holders and applicants, said offshore applicants in Australia faced a difficult summer while they waited for the change to come into effect, so their visas could be finalised.
"[The government has] the power to actually change the regulations right now to spare these couples - apparently 4,000 right now - the pain and uncertainty of not knowing what their future holds," she told SBS News.
Melbourne woman Amelia Elliott with her husband Bowie Domingo, who had to fly to Singapore to have his visa granted. Source: Supplied
She said that while the government had tentatively offered to extend current visa conditions, applicants would be thinking about the fact they may not be able to work until February or March if they waited for the ability to finalise onshore.
"They're going to have to think what is, you know, less expensive and more reliable, waiting for this regulation to be amended, or again taking up a quarantine place and a flight seat to finally be able to start work and move on," she said.
