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Barbara

Tue, 29th April 2008

Temporary Retirement 410 Visa holders

Senator the Hon Christopher Ellison
Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate

Temporary Retirement 410 Visa holders should be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

The Coalition Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Ellison today called on the Rudd Government to enable Temporary Retirement 410 Visa holders to apply for permanent residency.

Many 410 Visa holders are highly skilled yet they are restricted to just 20 hours of work per week due to the restrictions on their temporary visa.

“As permanent residents there will no restrictions on workforce participation and this will be of benefit to the labour market, the Australian economy and individual,” said Senator Ellison.

A number of these visa holders have a strong involvement in community and volunteer activities. Again the nature of the visa restricts the number of hours that the individual can commit. Some of these visa holders have been recognised for their service to volunteer fire fighting and ambulance services.

“Individuals with such a strong commitment to the community should not be restricted in the contribution they can make, it is also fitting that we acknowledge their commitment to our nation,” said Senator Ellison.

“Having lived in Australia for several years these visa holders have a strong commitment to our nation and wish to live in Australia for the remainder of their lives as a permanent resident, not a temporary visa holder who is subject to the uncertainty visa renewal requirements,” said Senator Ellison.

Currently persons who reside in Australia on a Temporary Retirement 410 Visa are unable to apply for permanent residency. This is a small group of people with a high commitment to Australia who are restricted in the contribution they can make to our nation as result of being unable to apply for a permanent visa.