Residence Permit Insistence: Residents complain to Parliament over petition

Many people who are still awaiting their permanent residency status under certain visa subclasses say the Department of Interior's delay in granting Permanent Residence Permits has left them grief-stricken, and their lives put on hold.

Signage as refugees and supporters rally outside the Immigration Department in Melbourne, Wednesday, August 24, 2022. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING Credit: JOEL CARRETT/AAPIMAGE

Many people come to Australia on a 4-9-4 or 4-9-1 visa, which classifies them as provinional residents, not temporary residents.

They are sponsored by family or the government to live and work in regional areas for at least three years, under a 1-9-1 visa, with the promise of a Permanent Residence Permit.

However, the Department of the Interior seems to be having trouble approving permanent Residence Permits quickly enough for these people.

The advocates have information from the Department, dated December ((2024)), stating that there are nearly 11,000 such applications, but fewer than 300 Permanent Residency Permit visas processed per month.

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