News

New permanent visa brings certainty and security for Shepparton’s refugee population

By Caleb Francis

Apr 3, 2023

Gathering: Representatives from various organisations with Refugee Legal solicitor Iona Moller, Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District strategic engagement co-ordinator Sam Atukorala and Refugee Legal solicitor Priscilla Jamieson pictured in the centre. Photo by Caleb Francis

An information session was held recently at Parklake Hotel regarding the Federal Government’s recent announcement of changes to the eligibility conditions for the permanent Resolution of Status visa.

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On Monday, March 27, representatives from Uniting, Primary Care Connect, Victoria Police, Shepparton English Language Centre, Centrelink and community leaders from the Afghan community attended an information session hosted by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District at Parklake Hotel to learn about the changes from Refugee Legal solicitors Priscilla Jamieson and Iona Moller.

Ms Jamieson said those who currently held, previously held, or had applied for a Temporary Protection Visa or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa may be eligible for a permanent RoS visa.

“People who had arrived by boat before 2014 may now be eligible for a permanent Resolution of Status visa if they currently hold a TPV/SHEV; they previously held a TPV/SHEV; or they have applied for their first TPV/SHEV and are waiting for a decision,” she said.

She added that the Department of Home Affairs was already processing RoS applications, and many of these permanent visas had already been granted.

“After living for so many years in limbo, people affected will have the certainty and security of a permanent visa and the possibility of family reunion and citizenship,” Ms Jamieson said.

Essential: Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District strategic engagement co-ordinator Sam Atukorala emphasised the importance of this announcement for the region. Photo by Caleb Francis

Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District strategic engagement co-ordinator Sam Atukorala said this announcement was important to the region, as Shepparton had a large population of migrants.

“Our community has a rich history of welcoming migrants, dating back to the early 19th century,” Mr Atukorala said.

“Many members of our community have been living here for years on TPV and SHEV visas.

“Service providers and community leaders have always tried to provide support to these migrants, but what they truly needed was the security of knowing they can stay in this beautiful country permanently.”