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Red Cross assistance for temporary visa holders in Australia

By 14 April, 2020November 18th, 20212 Comments2 min read

On 11 April 20120 the Red Cross confirmed that they are receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support. You can read the latest information about this from the Red Cross here.

These funds are for people on temporary visas who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs. This includes food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs.

The Red Cross have advised that they expect to increase their existing Emergency Relief and Safety Net program in the coming weeks.

Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross will not distribute funds from their offices, but will provide assistance by phone and email during business hours.

1. Who is eligible?

The following persons are eligible:

  1. You are in Australia on a temporary visa and
  2. You are in urgent financial hardship and
  3. You cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services and
  4. You have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas).

Please know that the Red Cross will provide assistance based on need. As funding is limited, they will prioritise people with urgent needs, such as families with young children, people with a disability, people who are experiencing harm, people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, and people with physical or mental health issues.

2. How to apply?

The Red Cross will advise when they have the funds and arrangements in place. In the meantime, you can email the Red Cross or contact them on 1800 733 276 during business hours.

To protect everyone’s safety during COVID-19, please do not physically attend the Red Cross offices at this time.

Any questions?

Please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484 if you would like further guidance.

THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. PLEASE CONSULT AN IMMIGRATION PROFESSIONAL FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
Mihan Hannan

Author Mihan Hannan

Formerly a Senior Associate in one of Australia’s most reputable immigration litigation and review practices, Mihan is solutions focused and well versed in all aspects of Australian immigration law. Mihan also has a subscription addiction, being obsessed with tools to improve the firms immigration work flow.

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Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • Kin lee says:

    Yes, I want to get support, I don’t have income at all, no job, I want a job and food and money to pay the rent thanks

    • Hannan Tew says:

      Hi Kin, I’m sorry to hear about your circumstances. We’d recommend you contact the Red Cross directly (through the email in this article) or email us at [email protected] for further information.

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