Sponsored family visitor visa

Letter to the Editor - Business Review Weekly
19 March 2004

Dear Sir/Madam

David James's article on sponsored family visitor visas (Tourists face suspicion, 11/3/2004) requires correction.

The sponsored family visitor visa allows more people - not less - from higher immigration risk countries to come to Australia while at the same time ensuring they comply with the conditions of their visa.

It gives people who may not be able to obtain another type of visa due to their circumstances a chance to come here.

The security bond required in some cases is added assurance that the visitor will comply with the set visa conditions requiring them to leave Australia at the end of their visit. The bond is refunded when the person leaves on time. For about 35 percent of sponsored visitors, a security bond is not required.

The bond requirement has been enormously successful. Visa approval rates have risen and so has the number of people who return at the conclusion of their visit to Australia.

The Government welcomes applications from people who want to come to Australia to visit family and has established a Family Visitor Network to give advice and assistance to sponsors here.

The phone number for the Family Visitor Network is 131 881.

Stewart Foster
Director, Public Affairs
DIMIA