The Federal Labor Government is extending tourist visas for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to enable them to visit their family in Australia for longer, Member for Hotham Simon Crean said.
“The Hotham electorate is a diverse area and is home to many people who have close family overseas,” Mr Crean said.
“I know that there are many families in Hotham who wish to spend more time with their parents from overseas and these changes will help them to do that. “The Federal Labor Government understands that many people are patiently waiting in the queue for a parent visa. We want to provide more generous tourist visas to enable regular extended family visits.
“The Government will grant five-year tourist visas with a 12-month stay on each entry to suitable applicants who have applied for a parent visa outside Australia, providing more generous conditions for regular extended family visits. “Such visits provide important social benefits, particularly to children and grandchildren in Australia.”
Mr Crean said the Government will also consider tourist visas of up to three years with a 12-month stay on each entry for people not currently in the parent visa queue. The changes are expected to be in place by the end of this year.
To be granted a tourist visa, applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, have access to adequate funds, have health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay, and intend a genuine visit to Australia.
Tourist visa holders will be subject to a visa condition limiting applications for further visas while they are in Australia and will be expected to spend some time outside Australia between visits to their families.
