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Australia, March 16, 2011 – National disasters in a region just happen unexpectedly. It always happens in the most unexpected place and time. These disasters make us shattered and hopeless. In these present times, a lot of disasters, natural or not, have come about. It all made us stronger as we try to survive such turmoil.

Japan just recently had one of its unexpected natural disasters, the earthquake which ended up in tsunami and eradicated a large chunk of area in the north eastern part of Japan particularly Sendai. Thus, some Australian citizens were a part of this tragedy and some Japanese nationals in Australia were also affected by this disaster.

The Minister of Immigration and Citizenship in Australia, Mr. Bowen, held an interview regarding visa assistance especially for Japanese nationals who were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

The minister explained that these Japanese nationals who are worried about their Australian visas which are about to expire and yet they still can’t get home due to the disaster don’t have to worry about it. He emphasized that the immigration is ready to accommodate these people and they are flexible in terms of their immigration status because the disaster in Japan is not their fault.

It has been noted that Australia has 28,000 Australian citizens born in Japan and 11, 000 Japanese tourists and 6,200 students in Australia at the moment. These people are encouraged to contact the immigration office and should try to ask for help regarding their concerns.

Aside from this, the immigration office also tried to make contact with Australians who were victims of the tragedy in Japan. These victims are encouraged by the minister to contact the embassy so that they will be given assistance.
Another concern is for those Australian citizens in Japan whose wives or children are not Australian citizens. They are given an opportunity to settle their immigration papers so that they can migrate to Australia without any hassle regarding their visas.

The minister said that the concerned people will have to contact number 131 881 and www.immi.gov.au. These hotlines are ready to give information and assist each and everyone regarding contact details and visa assistance.

source:
minister.immi.gov.au