Radio Brisvaani
Australia introduced Retirement visa more than 35 years ago to encourage self-supporting Retirees to bring overseas funds into the Australian economy and spend time in Australia as temporary residents at no cost to Australia’s social and welfare system.
There are two types of retirement visas namely Investor Retirement (405) and Retirement (410) visas, which permit such visa holders to stay temporarily in Australia. Please be noted both visas have now been closed to new applicants. However, existing visa holders or former retirement visa holders of are eligible to apply for the visa.
The Australian government recently amended regulations to establish a pathway to permanently regularise the status of ageing and increasingly vulnerable long-term temporary residents on retirement visas.
Most of the retirement visa holders are from countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with Australia. But, those who applied for their Retirement visa after 1 December 1998 are ineligible for Medicare under the RHCA. There are concerns among the visa holders about the lack of government-funded health care and social services, additional tax and duties imposed on foreigners purchasing properties. Many of Retirees have resided in Australia for a significant period with no eligibility for a permanent visa and uncertainty about their future.
With the amendment, the Australian Government pool a portion of Parent visa places for Retirees. This will allow Retirees to apply for a permanent visa while in Australia through the Parent (subclass 103) or Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa. Retirement visa holders will be exempt from certain parent visa requirements difficult to meet, such as having a family sponsor and provide Assurance of Support (AoS). It may be noted such visa holders need to meet other requirements such as character and health.
In effect, Retirees will be eligible for Medicare which, as holders of Retirement or Investor Retirement visa, they are not currently eligible for, and social security benefits as permanent residents through the new pathway.
For more information contact
PRATHAP LAKSHMANAN MA, LLB, LLM, GradDipLP
(Lawyer & Migration Agent / Qualified Education Agent Counsellor)
TN Lawyers & Immigration Consultants
Suit 6, 34 Campbell Street
Bowen Hills, QLD 4006, Australia.
Mobile Number: 0401-866-578
Phone Number: +61-7-3194-8816
Email: info@tnlawyers.com.au
Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au
