FECCA, the national peak multicultural body representing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,  welcomed the Federal Government’s JobKeeper Payment announcement and has congratulated the Government for supporting New Zealand residents on special category visa 444 through the package, however it has called on the Federal Government to ensure other temporary visa holders are also supported.

Unfortunately, the Government’s $130 billion JobKeeper payment package does not apply to people on temporary visas, such as bridging visas and skilled working visas. FECCA estimates there are about 500,000 people on temporary visas who are not supported by the JobKeeper package and who face either losing their income, or have already lost their income, as a result of measures put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The package is also criticised for not supporting employers with large numbers on staff on temporary visas in the agricultural, hospitality and retail sectors.

Furthermore, the provision that only old employees will be covered means that businesses with new recruits will not be supported.

READ MORE: FECCA asks Federal Government to support visa holders during COVID-19 pandemic

FECCA CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji welcomed the JobKeeper package, but said it should be extended to others regardless of visa status.
“We absolutely applaud the Federal Government for announcing this package and for listening to our concerns and extending it to New Zealanders working in Australia,” he said.

“However, this package should also provide some certainty to other temporary visa holders working in this country, regardless of their visa status. This is a relatively small cohort of people working in Australia who have contributed so much to our communities and to the economy.

“They include disability and aged care workers supporting those in need, highly skilled engineers adding expertise to local companies, chefs and service staff contributing to successful hospitality businesses, and those on temporary visas who are seeking asylum.

READ MORE: Flexible visa terms on the way during coronavirus crisis

“These people are in the same situation as their co-workers in Australian workplaces and this package should provide support to them too. I think most Australians would agree that for these people who have worked here for many years to be left destitute without any other safety net is patently unfair.