Gaurav Kaulgud’s elderly parents came to visit his family in Brisbane on January 24 and had plans to stay until April 21, three days before their visa would expire.
But the COVID-19 travel restrictions meant their return flight to India was cancelled and they would now need to extend their visa to stay in the country lawfully.
Highlights:
- Temporary visa holders in need of visa extensions claim the process is "too costly"
- Applicants seek automatic visa extensions amid coronavirus crisis
- "Deadline on extensions and the costly visa fee is breaking people," says Mr Kaulgud
Mr Kaulgud who works with the local council says spending $730 for both parents for an extension that isn’t their fault is “simply ridiculous.”
“They want to go home. It’s just that they cannot, given the circumstances. Why is the Department of Home Affairs even charging for visitor visa extensions during these difficult times?
“My wife almost lost her job. She has had to take a significant pay cut. Everyone is struggling with finances. Can the government be a bit considerate, please?” he says.
He adds that getting an extension in time itself is proving “stressful” and to pay a fee to get things done in these circumstances is like a “double whammy.”
Gaurav Kaulgud's parents Source: Supplied
“I would have not felt inconvenienced had my parents wanted to stay here for a longer period.
“They want to leave on May 1, which is the next available date that the airline has provided us. This means that we will be shelling out $730 for less than a week,” says Mr Kaulgud.
According to the latest information available on the Department of Home Affairs website, visitor visa holders must apply for a new visa before their current visa expires.
Applicants might be granted a bridging visa that will allow them to remain in the country legally until the department decides on their application.
Mr Kaulgud is, however, not the only one feeling the pinch.
Piyush Mahindru with his fiance, Sneha Mehta and her mother, Jagruti Mehta. Source: Supplied
Piyush Mahindru and his fiancé, Sneha Mehta, both of whom live on casual jobs claim they found it “extremely difficult” to raise funds for a second extension for Sneha’s mother.
Mr Mahindru says they first extended her stay for personal reasons, but little did they know at the time, that they would have to get another extension for her, in a short period of time.
“She was due to fly back to India on March 24, but her ticket got cancelled owing to the travel ban.
“Her visa was due to expire on March 31, which meant she needed a second extension, so we immediately applied for one and had to spend $700 on top of what we have already paid,” says Mr Mahindru.
He adds that while they somehow managed to arrange the funds, it has left them “cash-strapped.”
“Many countries around the world including India are issuing automatic visa extensions to foreigners who are stranded. Why can’t Australia do the same?" adds Mr Mahindru.
Explaining the cost structure of visitor visas in Australia, migration agent Jujhar Bajwa says “People are running from pillar to post getting last-minute extensions for their family members running out of visas.”
He adds that while the first extension costs $365 per person, “the applicant has to pay $700 more for a second extension.”
“If on top you have a ‘no further stay’ condition, this also means that you first need to apply for a waiver, which is free of cost, but adds to the applicant’s stress,” says Mr Bajwa.
'International students are worst-hit'
A student wearing a protective face mask, looks at a learning guide. (Representational image) Source: AAP Image/AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Navi* who doesn't wish to disclose his real name is running out of time to extend his student visa.
But the 23-year-old student, who drives Uber to meet his daily expenses, says his future is at stake as he currently does not have the means to pay for his visa extension.
"It's just bad timing. I don't have funds to pay my rent, forget the visa application. But I am desperate as my visa is expiring in June.
"In normal circumstances, I would have managed to raise adequate funds through my driving, but now with that income nearly gone, I am struggling to pay even for basic necessities," says Navi.
Melbourne-based migration agent Navjot Kailay says international students applying for deferrals and extensions of their visas are "worst-hit" among the cohort of temporary visa holders.
"A majority of international students applying for onshore extensions are struggling to pay the required visa fee, be it to the migration agents or the immigration itself, as many of them are not getting hours at work amidst the coronavirus crisis.
"While the first extension of a student visa onshore costs $620, a second can take you to $700 on top of what you paid for the previous extension, " says Mr Kailay.
Many countries around the world are offering automatic visa extensions for a stipulated period to foreigners stranded in their countries amid coronavirus travel restrictions, including India, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and France to name a few.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, 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.
