It has been observed recently that many Malay/Muslim families here in Melbourne are subtly, albeit increasingly, encouraging their friends and relatives back in Singapore, to take that huge leap of faith and migrate to Australia.
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| That great 'Australian Dream', which you seek after, may turn into your worst nightmare. |
This may seem to be a positive trend because it will contribute to the ever expanding Malay diaspora here in the Land of the Kangaroos and Koalas.
On the contrary, all prospecting families in Singapore must take heed of this important caveat. Make sure that you acquire a Permanent Resident (PR) visa first before boarding that flight to Down Under.
Without any careful planning, logistical preparation and proper travel documents, that great 'Australian Dream', which you seek after, may turn into your worst nightmare.
Do not consider coming here, without having that glossy sticker labelled, "Permanent Resident," pasted on the page of your little red passport.
Certain skeptics here in Melbourne may disagree with this view and simply brush aside this warning.
However, be forewarned that without a PR visa, you will be subjecting yourself and your family, including your children, to unnecessary risks.
Coming to Australia without a PR visa will render yourself and your dependents out of reach of Australia's welfare system. You will not be entitled to the fortnightly cash payments from Centrelink. You will not be entitled to a Healthcare Card nor a Medicare Card.
Hence, you shall have to bear the full cost of all medical expenses that you or any of your family members may incur in the course of your stay here in Australia. There is no healthcare subsidy for you nor your family members.
This financial nightmare does not end here. Things will only get worse when it comes to enrolling your children in government schools. Without Permanent Residency (PR), your children will be considered as 'International Students', not 'Domestic Students.'
Henceforth, non-PR parents are expected to pay premium tuition fees, just like any other foreign students as opposed to the heavily subsidised tuition fees that 'Domestic Students' are entitled to. Imagine what the annual education bill will look like for a typical Malay/Muslim family with 3 to 4 school-age children.
Of course, this amount will only get higher as the child progresses from primary to secondary school and eventually to Year-12 VCE!
On the bright side of things, to those Malay/Muslim families, who have already submitted their PR visa applications with the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC), well, you are still not off the hook.
You have been forewarned by DIAC to observe the following things, while awaiting for your PR visa to be processed and approved: -
However, be forewarned that without a PR visa, you will be subjecting yourself and your family, including your children, to unnecessary risks.
Coming to Australia without a PR visa will render yourself and your dependents out of reach of Australia's welfare system. You will not be entitled to the fortnightly cash payments from Centrelink. You will not be entitled to a Healthcare Card nor a Medicare Card.
Hence, you shall have to bear the full cost of all medical expenses that you or any of your family members may incur in the course of your stay here in Australia. There is no healthcare subsidy for you nor your family members.
This financial nightmare does not end here. Things will only get worse when it comes to enrolling your children in government schools. Without Permanent Residency (PR), your children will be considered as 'International Students', not 'Domestic Students.'
Henceforth, non-PR parents are expected to pay premium tuition fees, just like any other foreign students as opposed to the heavily subsidised tuition fees that 'Domestic Students' are entitled to. Imagine what the annual education bill will look like for a typical Malay/Muslim family with 3 to 4 school-age children.
Of course, this amount will only get higher as the child progresses from primary to secondary school and eventually to Year-12 VCE!
On the bright side of things, to those Malay/Muslim families, who have already submitted their PR visa applications with the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC), well, you are still not off the hook.
You have been forewarned by DIAC to observe the following things, while awaiting for your PR visa to be processed and approved: -
1. You must have been awarded a post secondary qualification which is at least equivalent to an Australian Bachelors degree (or higher), diploma or trade qualification (AQF Certificate III or IV). You also need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for working in your nominated occupation. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, March 2009: Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, p. 7)
2.Payment must accompany your application and is generally not refunded if the application is unsuccessful. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, March 2009: Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, p. 17)
3. While you may be asked to complete a number of steps during the processing of your application, it does not mean your application will be successful. Do not anticipate a successful outcome and sell your house or other property until you have been advised in writing that you have been granted a visa. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, March 2009: Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, p. 37)
4. You can withdraw your application by advising the ASPC in writing at any time before a decision is made. Charges that you paid at the time of application are not usually refunded. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, March 2009: Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, p. 40)In conclusion and as a gentle reminder to all Malay/Muslim families here in Australia, please tell your friends and/or relatives in Singapore to read this article first before allowing them to proceed with their intention.
To download the entire booklet, go to http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/1119.pdf
