Video assistance for visa overstayers

Details

Created on Friday, 11 May 2012 18:05

Written by Editorial staff

Migration agents have been given some additional support from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in the form of an educational video that informs potential visa overstayers of their options.

One of the common problems facing this group of individuals is the difficult task of separating fact from fiction with regards to their legal options.

Confusion arises from the differing opinions of friends and family about their best course of action - with some advocating that they leave the country, while others asserting that should seek additional assistance.

However, many visa overstayers may be afraid to approach the authorities directly for more information - as they possess a fear that they may be taken into custody immediately or deported without question.

The truth is that this is a rare occurrence - but it is still important for these individuals to have access to valid, credible information on their options from a reliable source.

A video issued in April through YouTube tells a number of common stories of travellers working and living in Australia who - for varying reasons - have allowed their visas to expire.

They tell the audience of the important services provided by the DIAC's Community Status Resolution Service (CSRS), which works with international visitors and travellers to provide them with the information and support they need to resolve their visa issues through legal channels.

According to a departmental spokesman, many overstayers are unaware that they can be granted a special bridging visa that will allow them the time to take stock and plan out their next move.

The spokesman asserted: "Most people do attend one of our offices when they realise they have misjudged their circumstances and their visa has expired."

They went on to say: "The reality is that we would normally grant a short-term bridging visa to give the person time to make their own arrangements to depart or, if they are eligible, to apply for an appropriate visa."

For many, the CSRS offers a chance to explore their options further before either choosing to return home or consult with a registered migration agent about their options.

"Resolving someone's visa status proactively not only saves the person a lot of angst, but benefits our compliance teams who can concentrate on illegal workers and employers or contractors wilfully flouting the Migration Act," stated the spokesman.