Red Cross announcement - Assistance to Temporary Visa Holders
The Red Cross has announced on its website that it will be receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support to temporary visa holders who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs.
This is consistent with discussions the MIA National President, John Hourigan, has had with Acting Minister Tudge and the Department.
The funds have not yet been received and the Red Cross will work as quickly as possible with the Department of Social Services to finalise the details of the funding and expand assistance to people who are experiencing significant vulnerability. Assistance will include food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs.
Who is eligible? Visa holders may be eligible for Red Cross Safety Net support if they:
- are in Australia on a temporary visa
- are in urgent financial hardship
- cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services
- have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas).
Eligible visa holders are requested to contact the Red Cross by email in the first instance so that can be advised when the funds and arrangements are in place.
Further visa information is available on the Red Cross website
Source : MIA
