PRONIA has been since 2012 consistently helping and supporting returning citizens and newly-arrived Greek people with culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Ever since the recent changes on immigration announced by the Australian Government in April, PRONIA has received a large number of calls from interested parties seeking information and clarifications.
The questions, which PRONIA continues to receive on a daily basis, have created the need for information, which is offered by Mrs. Penny Dimopoulos, a volunteer of the PRONIA Greek Migration Agent service.
Mrs Dimopoulos currently provides information regarding the changes to Australia’s migration and citizenship laws, announced by the government in April 2017.
Further changes will occur on 1 July 2017 as well as in March 2018, which will be addressed by PRONIA, to see how they impact new migrants and their families in relation totheir current and proposed migration matters.
Through the government funded program ‘Provide Settlement Services for People Newly Arrived from Greece established in 2015 and in collaboration with the Greek Community PRONIA provides case work, with information and referral, crisis intervention services, practical support and advocacy as well as ground for networking.
Services extend to counselling for individuals, couples, and families with children in addition to training programs, seminars and workshops to help newcomers cope with the impediments of immigration, integrate, connect, participate and contribute to the local community as well as the wider community. The aforementioned services are provided free of charge to all: Australian Citizens, returning to Australia after a long absence and migrants with temporary visas (student, working visa, etc.).
Additional information can be found at the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection www.border.gov.au or by telephoning the Department on 131881. You may also seek advice from an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.
