Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Due to the current political situation in Egypt, Australia will give option of staying for Egyptian nationals currently in Australia beyond their Australian visa expiry.

Mr Chris Bowen, Minister of Australia Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) urged Egyptians with Australian Temporary Visas to contact his department to discuss their options.

“DIAC would take the circumstances in Egypt into account when dealing with requests for visa extensions,” said Chris Bowen.

“My department will consider – on a case by case basis – the options for Egyptians in Australia whose visas to remain here are about to run out,” he added.

Chris Bowen, also announced in a statement on the weekend, providing guidance to Japanese nationals.

“I strongly encourage all Japanese nationals in Australia who are unable to fly home or are on temporary visas to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) as soon as possible, either online or by telephone,” he said.

Mr. Bowen also stated that the Australia Immigration Department would be sympathetic towards any applicants requiring an extension of their Australian visa.

In the mean while, as the situation in Japan is a bit uncertain, Australian government advised that citizens of Australian in Japan should contact the Australian Immigration Department immediately if they wish to travel to Australia with their children if those children are not Australian citizens.

“Australian citizen parents located in Japan who have children born overseas who have not applied for, or been approved for, Australian citizenship by descent should contact DIAC to discuss the most appropriate way for their children to travel to Australia,” added Mr. Bowen.

In view of the Japanese disaster, immigration staff at the Australian embassy in Tokyo will work through the weekend to address urgent migration issues.