COVID-19 Update No.3 for Organisations Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities, 2 June 2020
2 June 2020
Support for Temporary Visa Holders in the ACT
The Red Cross have received funding from both the Commonwealth and ACT governments to distribute one-off payments to the most vulnerable temporary visa holders who have no means to support themselves under COVID-19. These payments are designed to help with basic needs, such as food, medicine and immediate housing needs, to ensure people are safe.
With so many people facing financial difficulty, Red Cross will need to prioritise available funds to support people with the most urgent needs.
If you are aware of a temporary visa holder who is significantly impacted by COVID-19, please support them to contact Red Cross on:
- Telephone: 02 6234 7695
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/help-for-migrants-in-transition/help-for-migrants-in-transition
Red Cross is also partnering with tertiary education providers to support International Students.
In the first instance, International Students should contact their Education provider, who may refer their application to Red Cross after an initial assessment.
Where applicants are not eligible for government relief, Red Cross will support applicants to access the relevant ACT community service providers.
The following two documents include detailed information about visa types, eligibility, and available supports, as well as ACT-specific information:
- Info sheet: COVID19 & Social Services for Temporary Visa Holders (pdf) – updated 25 May 2020
- COVID19 Information Sheet – Australian Capital Territory (pdf) – updated 11 May 2020.
These documents are available on the Red Cross website and are updated there periodically.
If you have any questions or insights, please contact the number above.