Settlement Guide: Life on the bridging visa in Australia

Australia visa

Picture for representational purpose only. Source: SBS

COVID-19 is dramatically disrupting on the lives of close to 97,000 bridging visa holders in Australia who are unable to access the federal government’s COVID-19 support schemes.


 

The latest ABS figures reveal that the unemployment rate has risen to 6.2 per cent though some economists suggest a different calculation method would paint a far bleaker reality.





 

The federal government is allowing bridging visa holders to access up to $10,000 dollars of their Australian superannuation tax-free in the 2019 to 2020 financial year. 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs provides short-term payments through the for Bridging Visa E holders, those recently released from immigration detention or living in the community under Residence Determination. Power, however, is concerned that many bridging visa holders are unable to access the scheme.

 

 

For free legal advice in NSW, call on 1300 888 529 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

 

For , call 1300 792 387 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

 

For , call 1300 65 11 88 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

 

For, call 1300 650 579 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. 

 

For , call 1300 654 314 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

 

For the , call 1300 366 611 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

 

For the, call 1300 366 424 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.

 

For the, ring 1800 019 343 Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.

 

If you are feeling distressed and need emotional support, call the coronavirus mental wellbeing support service on 1800 512 348 or  on 13 11 14 any time of the day and night.

If you need language support, call  for an interpreter and ask to be connected to your preferred support organisation.








 






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