NSW is the latest Australian state to roll out an emergency grant for temporary migrants who are facing hardships as a result of COVID-19 and are excluded from the federal government’s assistance.
Announcing the funding on Monday, Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee said it's vital for the state to step up for the most vulnerable groups during these unprecedented times.
“Vulnerable temporary visa holders are increasingly at risk of hardship since the onset of the pandemic,” he said.
Highlights:
- NSW government has announced $4 million worth of grants to support temporary visa holders
- Funding will also be extended to specialist migrant and settlement services
- The grant is not available for international students and asylum seekers
Mr Lee said the grant will also be extended to support specialist migrant and settlement services who have been engaged in aiding migrant communities ever since the outbreak started disrupting lives earlier this year.
“We know that specialist migrant and settlement organisations have had to really step up in extremely challenging times to support some of the most vulnerable in our society with their most basic necessities,” said Mr Lee.
The funding which comes on top of the $2 million in grant already distributed to provide immediate emergency relief to asylum seekers will be allocated under two streams.
NSW Acting Minister for Multiculturalism, Geoff Lee Source: SBS News
Under stream one, $2 million will be utilised towards providing work visa holders with access to food and supplies, medical support, telecommunications, transport and essential housing during the pandemic.
While another $2 million funding will be provided for organisations to support service delivery through culturally specific caseworkers and community support workers, outreach transport costs for isolated communities and interpreting and translation services.
The state government has clarified on its website that international students and asylum seekers have been excluded from this funding "as they have been covered in previous funding measures".
Support services welcome the move
Yamamah Agha, general manager of a Sydney-based settlement service provider, Settlement Services International (SSI) said the grant has come at a critical time for temporary migrants, a majority of whom have either lost their jobs or have their work hours reduced.
“Our pulse survey of almost 500 temporary residents across Sydney, found that 62 per cent of temporary visa holders have gone without meals and 76 per cent could not pay the rent or a mortgage on time during COVID-19,” Ms Agha told SBS Punjabi.
She added that SSI has been inundated with distressed calls for support from temporary migrants ever since the beginning of the outbreak.
“This grant announcement has come at a critical time when vulnerable temporary visa holders have lost their jobs and find themselves in destitute circumstances,” she added.
'Too little, too late'
Skilled visa holder Vikas* has been living in Sydney for the past four years.
The IT professional who wishes to remain anonymous said while the government’s assistance has finally come through, it may be “too late and too little” for visa holders who have lost their source of income.
“While I am fortunate that I still have a job, I know of many work visa holders who have been made redundant in the recent past. While we understand that the government’s top priority is to assist its citizens and permanent residents, they must not forget that we too make a significant contribution to the state’s economy,” said Vikas*.
*Vikas is not his real name.
Offshore migrants feel "left out"
While onshore temporary migrants will be covered under the plan, hundreds of visa holders who have called NSW home, some for years will remain bereft of the state’s financial safety net.
Harmanpreet Singh Source: Supplied
Work visa holder Harmanpreet Singh who remains stranded in the north Indian state of Punjab due to the coronavirus-induced border restrictions said it’s a “double whammy” for those stuck offshore.
“We are still paying taxes, rent and other utility bills despite being blocked out of the country for no fault of ours. If the government can’t allow us back into the country, the least they can do is guarantee some sort of income support till the time we can return to our work and lives in Australia,” said the 26-year-old.
Temporary visa holders seeking financial support must apply by 4 pm, 27 July 2020.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
