Emergency relief and case work support for Temporary Visa holders
Update: 14 April 2020
The Red Cross has announced that it will be receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support to temporary visa holders who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs. This includes food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs.
The funds have not yet been received and the Red Cross will work as quickly as possible with the Department of Social Services to finalise the details of the funding and expand assistance to people who are experiencing significant vulnerability.
Who is eligible?
Visa holders may be eligible for Red Cross Safety Net support if they:
- are in Australia on a temporary visa
- are in urgent financial hardship
- cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services
- have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas).
Red Cross 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.
How to Apply
Eligible visa holders are requested to contact the Red Cross by email (nat_rc_msp@redcross.org.au) in the first instance so they can be advised when the funds and arrangements are in place.
To protect everyone’s safety during COVID-19, Red Cross has requested that clients to not come to their offices at this time. Clients are encouraged to email or call 1800 733 276 during business hours.
You can find out more information on Red Cross website.
Contact us
If you are impacted by the ongoing travel restrictions or change in circumstances and need immigration advice or assistance, call us on 1300 98 70 71 or email us on Skilled.Migration.Service@ames.net.au and speak to a Registered Migration Agent.