Highlights
- Greens Senator Nick McKim moved a motion in the Senate on Tuesday
- The motion called for granting travel exemption to all temporary visa holders
- The motion was voted down in the Senate
Senator McKim on Tuesday moved a motion in the Senate calling on the government to grant ‘inwards’ travel exemption to temporary visa holders who call Australia home.
In parliamentary procedure, a motion is a formal proposal by a member of a deliberative assembly that the assembly takes a certain action.
Senator McKim’s motion highlighted the plight of thousands of temporary visa holders who are stuck overseas and unable to return to Australia due to border closures and travel restrictions.
“Temporary visa holders contribute significantly to the Australian economy, having invested their time, energy, skills, and passion into Australia. They are part of our communities, our schools, and our businesses,” Senator McKim said.
Greens Senator Nick McKim. Source: AAP
“Many temporary visa holders were invited to Australia under our skilled migration program.
Mr McKim called upon the Government ‘to grant ‘inwards’ travel exemptions for all temporary visa holders who are separated from either their immediate family (including children, partners, and spouses), their established homes, and/or their jobs in Australia.’
On Tuesday afternoon, the motion was voted down by the majority.
“Deeply disappointing that Labor and the Liberals voted down a Greens motion in support of temporary visa holders who have been separated from their loved ones during COVID. Families have a right to be together,” Senator McKim tweeted.
Many who hoped for a favourable outcome of the motion have been left disappointed.
Temporary visa holders face an additional hurdle to return to Australia. Those seeking to return first need to secure an exemption from the travel ban.
Arup Majumder has applied thrice for his wife stuck in India.
Arup Majumder has been separated from his wife since six months. Source: Supplied
“All three times, my application has been rejected. There is no clarity from ABF on what grounds are they considering the application under compelling and compassionate grounds. My wife was going to join me in Sydney in April but was unable to come due to border closures and travel ban,” Mr Majumder said.
Mr Majumder arrived in Sydney to work with Tata Consultancy Services and is assigned to work with Westpac.
“My work ensures that online banking and banking through the app is glitch-free and goes smoothly. It is an important service and is contributing to Australia and yet while I serve Australians, I suffer because of these travel restrictions,” Mr Majumder said.
His wife, meanwhile, is living alone in India.
“During the super cyclonic storm Amphan, she was alone. She is suffering from anxiety which has been exacerbated by this uncertainty,” he said.
As a temporary visa holder, Mr Majumder has appealed to the government to treat all its residents ‘equal’.
“Please allow us to reunite. We will abide by all the laws,” he says.
Anmol called the outcome 'unfortunate'.
'So unfortunate! Thousands of Australian citizens, permanent residents, temporary visa holders are separated from their families. Can’t believe this is the Australia we call home!' he tweeted in response to Senator McKim.
