Reforms to Australia’s migratory system in the pipelines. Image : File / SBS
Changes to Australia’s parent/family visas in the pipelines
There may be some good news on the horizon for SA migrants hoping to sponsor parents and family members to live in Australia.
Reforms to Australia’s migratory system in the pipelines. Image : File / SBS
Australia is one of the preferred destinations for many migrants from South Africa.
The Land Downunder is home to a large South African community, with an estimated number of around 200 000 South Africans now living in Australia.
PREFERRED MIGRATION OPTION
Australia is an attractive country offering a number of similarities with South Africa, for migrants. These include a common language, similar culture, outdoor lifestyle, and a love of sports.
Most South Africans living in Australia are based in the cities of Sydney and Perth. The latter is often referred to by South Africans as Perthfontein since Perth has a sizeable community of SA ex-pats living there.
MIGRATION VISAS
A great number of South Africans relocate to Australia on independent skilled visas or regional skilled visas.
One of the advantages of moving to Australia is that the country allows migrants to sponsor their parents and family members to join them after they have settled.
PARENT VISAS
Parents and family members of SA migrants often follow their offspring sometime later, once the primary visa holders are able to sponsor family members.
Being able to sponsor parents and family members is a privilege and a blessing for many SA migrants who cannot bear to leave family members behind in South Africa.
The downside to Australia’s parent/family visas is that they are costly and often take many years to process, making this an expensive and cumbersome process for migrants who wish to bring parents and family members over to Australia.
REFORM OF MIGRATORY SYSTEM
The Guardian reports that a landmark review has called for a major reform of Australia’s migration system.
The changes stand to benefit migrants who wish to bring over family members on parent and family visas.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION
The review finds family reunion is an important component of a strong and stable community but waiting times mean it can take up to 40 years for parents to join their children on a permanent basis in Australia.
LOTTERY FOR PARENT VISAS
The review proposes the introduction of a parent visa lottery to prevent backlogs, and to offer a cheaper and more attractive temporary visa product for parents.
It is reported that this might in the long term replace a permanent parent program.
TIME FRAMES
Although the government acknowledges the need for reform of Australia’s family program the outline says this will be considered separately to the final strategy for late 2023, and reforms to improve skilled migration will take priority.
