Immigration Department has granted permanent residency visas to 363 Indian brides fleeing their abusive husbands.
reports 3083 migrants were granted permanent residency in past five years who have left their abusive Australian spouses.
Of 3083 migrants, 389 visas were granted to Chinese women, 363 to Indian women, 323 to those from Vietnam, 321 from The Philippines, 206 from Thailand, 200 from the UK, 130 from Lebanon, 89 from Fiji and 82 from Korea.
These women have been granted visas to stay in Australia based on the law introduced by the Federal government in 2012 that allows foreign-born partners of Australian residents to stay in Australia after the break up.
While 3083 migrants were granted these visas, 977 women were refused visas for lodging bogus claims.
An Immigration Department spokeswoman told some visas had been refused as applicants gave “false or misleading information’’ or failed to meet health or character criteria. She said those applicants risked deportation.
“A non-citizen who does not have a visa to stay in Australia is expected to leave,’’ the spokeswoman said.
WHAT VISA PROVISIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM?
Australia provides domestic violence survivors with a provision to apply for permanent visa even after their relationship has broken down with their Australian spouse or de-facto partner due to violence in relationship.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection website says, If the applicant's relationship breaks down after they have applied for permanent residence, the applicant can still be considered for permanent residence if they provide acceptable evidence that they or members of their family unit have been the victim of family violence committed by their Australian partner.
The applicant will also have to satisfy the delegate that their relationship was genuine until it ceased and that the family violence took place during the relationship.
The department defines violence as physical or psychological abuse or harm, forced sex, forced isolation or economic deprivation.
The domestic violence visas are granted on the grounds of domestic violence convictions, injunctions or court orders.
But the Immigration Department also considers documents from doctors, schools, hospitals, police, crisis centres or social workers who have treated the victim.
Manjula O’Connor who has been a public campaigner for domestic violence victims in Australia says providing permanent residency visa is good news for women who are victims of domestic violence.
Dr Manjula O'Connor, Anti-dowry Campaigner Source: White Ribbon Australia
“It means that the Government is willing to back the victims of domestic violence and their human rights for safety are protected. The Immigration laws are there to support genuine people who are victims in married or life partnership situations.”
National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800 RESPECT.
Follow us on
