Grant long term dependent visas

We write to you on behalf of the Australian Indian community.

Majority of the Indians endorsing this letter are first generation immigrants who willingly chose Australia to make it their home, bring up family and lead a peaceful life. Again, a majority of the undersigned have been granted visas under the skilled migration category, having come into the country ranging from about 10 to 20 years before.

We all hold responsible jobs, and live as model citizens of the country. We work as doctors, engineers, industrialists, teachers and many other professionals, contributing to the society and the local economy. We also form a sizeable portion of the electorate in this country. In most cases we have very little or no family here, obviously, all of them living in India or else where.

We hereby wish to address with the department of immigration, a very grievous concern regarding the granting of visas to our immediate family (our parents in most cases) residing in India or overseas (holding Indian passports).

Most of us have parents aged from their early 60’s, who are already in their twilight years. All they want is to spend some quality time with us, their children and their grand children.

Our concern is regarding the period for which the visitor visa is granted, which is only for a single entry and for a period of 6 months to 1 year. Every time, they have to undergo the bureaucratic application process, and face the uncertainty of rejection.

We do understand that Permanent Residency is possible for dependants. However, the process is time consuming in the normal channel, and too expensive in the sponsored category. The permanent migration will further burden the existing ageing population. Also, not all parents may wish to migrate permanently.

As you might be aware, many developed countries including the UK and USA have a visa sub class permitting a multiple entry for visitors up to a maximum period of five years to ten years.

We request to consider a long term ( 10 years) multiple entry visas. We believe it is a win-win solution for the Australian Government, overseas born Australians and the dependent parents.