Immigration Minister Alan Tudge has told temporary migrants worried about their visa expiring and without a way home to contact immigration officials.
It comes after the federal government called for all those who can no longer support themselves in Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic: "it's time to go home".
But for some migrants this is not an option as countries such as India and Nepal suspend international travel leaving them stranded overseas.
Mr Tudge said if someone is “stuck in Australia” in this situation and worried about their visa status becoming unlawful they should contact authorities.
Acting Federal Minister for Immigration Alan Tudge has thanked multicultural communities for their support during the coronavirus pandemic. Source: AAP
“If there are literally no flights and they are concerned that their visa is coming to an end,” he said.
“Then they should call the immigration department as a matter of urgency.”
Travel restrictions leave some migrants stranded
International travel restrictions mean many migrants now face flights back to their home country having their prices hiked or being blocked all together.
The Federation of Ethnic’ Communities Councils of Australia has asked authorities to assist those migrants who do want to secure a safe return.
Mr Tudge said the government was closely watching situations in countries like India and Nepal where migrants were being prevented from returning.
“We’re keeping a close eye on that,” he said.
He said thousands of visa holders had already heeded the government’s advice to return to their countries of origin.
“The overall message is take the opportunity today to get a flight back home where you can get support, particularly if you don’t have family support here in Australia,” he said.
Temporary visa holders face uncertain future
Many temporary migrants in Australia continue to face uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic because of a lack of access to welfare support measures.
This includes no access to unemployment benefits or the government’s $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy program, with the exception of some New Zealand nationals.
Mr Tudge said Australians and permanent residents would continue to be prioritised for the work and welfare support available.
But he promised temporary visa holders who contracted the coronavirus would not be “discriminated against” in terms of accessing medical support.
The federal government maintains there is an expectation these visa holders will continue to support themselves while they are in Australia.
But FECCA has called for the government to extend the wage subsidy to anyone who has a job regardless of their visa status.
Government support for temporary migrants
The government has already allowed temporary migrants that have been here longer than 12 months, including international students, to access their superannuation.
Changes to visa categories have also been announced to support temporary visa holders remaining in the "key industries" of health, aged care, disability care, agriculture and food processing.
The 40-hour per fortnight restriction on work hours for international students has been relaxed to allow them to work more hours, if they are in the aged care or nursing sector.
Mr Tudge said these amendments would continue to be “periodically reviewed”.
His remarks came as the minister gave an update on the government's response to COVID-19 for multicultural communities thanking them for their cooperation.
He said their work had helped disseminate vital health information to communities across Australia.
“I want to say a very big thank you, you are making an enormous difference. You are saving lives and you are saving livelihoods in the process,” he said.
He also explained citizenship ceremonies were continuing to go ahead one-person at a time through online video link.
“I know that many people are really wanting to become a citizen as quickly as possible - I can completely understand that,” he said.
Mr Tudge said the government had worked with SBS to make public health information on the coronavirus available in 63 languages.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
