Guest The Pom Queen Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 The federal government has turned away thousands of people aspiring to a life in Australia by abolishing a group of visas and telling would-be residents their applications never existed. About 16,000 people including families are affected by the decision, many of whom have waited eight years for a response. Migration agents say some people are now too old to apply for other visas. In one of her last acts as assistant immigration minister last week, Michaelia Cash ruled that an annual cap of 284 places for three types of skilled migration visas had been reached, and all outstanding applications "are taken not to have been made", or cancelled without a trace. Perth migration agent Robert Chelliah said the decision was "callous and indifferent". "With a single stroke of a pen the minister has destroyed … the life opportunity of people who have been waiting patiently," he said. "They [thought] they had a hope, they have been told to wait and wait, put on hold from doing anything else and they were deliberately made to feel that their application would be resolved." He said some applicants were now too old to apply for other visas. The change took effect on September 22 and affected three skilled visa subclasses in the independent, sponsored and regional sponsored categories. It also applies to visa cases not yet decided by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The visa types were closed to new applicants in mid 2012 but outstanding applications were being processed. Applicants can apply for a refund on charges paid. A Melbourne man originally from Pakistan, who wished only known as Mr Khan, said his brother applied for a sponsored visa more than seven years ago. His experience as a banker fulfilled the skills criteria at the time. The brother, his pregnant wife and child are living in Dubai, and "their whole life has fallen apart" since learning the application had been cancelled, the man said. "I couldn't believe it. One thing I like about Australia is that there is always justice here … this has been a big shock," he said. "What hurts is that we won't be spending a lot of time together, except in holidays. We had options to apply for Canada and the UK, but we applied for Australia. It's very, very disappointing." The Migration Institute of Australia has questioned the legality of the government's decision, and says it raised concerns with the Department of Immigration. A department spokeswoman said most applications were for occupations not currently in demand, which would affect peoples' employment chances in Australia. "Many more people want to migrate to Australia than we have permanent places for, but we must prioritise those skills that Australia needs now," she said. The government believed it was "unfair" to keep people waiting any longer and affected applicants could apply for other visas, the spokeswoman said. Canberra migration agent Marion Le said applicants were angry and felt "the department has misled them". "These are highly skilled people who applied believing it would be finalised in a very short time and it's just dragged on and on," she said. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/callous-and-indifferent-australian-government-slammed-for-scrapping-three-types-of-skilled-visas-turning-away-16000-people-20150928-gjwyc7.html#ixzz3n7IM9J2Q Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 Well its tough but that's life I guess. We have to make room for all the refugees who will be coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 I do feel sorry for these people, but on the other hand, if there is not a demand for their skills now, why issue visas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 I said as much on another thread about migration falling and it was taken as less people wanted to come. They are cutting visa grants and plenty still want to come but can't . I feel very sorry for them tbh but I don't blame the Government for taking a positive move to not burden Australia with people who's skills are not needed for one reason or another adding to unemployment levels. We we were caught up in the changes back in 2010 and we had to find another way. These things happen. But it doesn't hurt any less to have your dreams and plans scuppered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMT1980 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 I'm confused by this thread... can someone please clarify what exactly has been cancelled here? I've read the news report but I can't decipher exactly what it is referring too. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussiegirl Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 It it is all on here for you too read http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/09/25/skilled-visa-applicants-angry-after-government-ends-processing I'm confused by this thread... can someone please clarify what exactly has been cancelled here? I've read the news report but I can't decipher exactly what it is referring too. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 Australia has a perfect right - indeed responsibility- to its citizens ahead of any aspirants. Tough, the rules change to meet the prevailing conditions. Move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi69 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 As long as its the same rules for all...that's good. back door immigration not so good.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 This seems a poor decision to me. To make them wait so long that many are too old to apply here or elsewhere and then dump them with no notice. Will this stand up in court. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungo Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 It is a very horrible decision, but considering previous cap and cease I am surprised anyone is really surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toOZ2012 Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 They should have been notified much much sooner so that they could get on with their lives instead of leaving them in a limbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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