When Satinder discovered her husband Sumit's visa was refused, she hit rock bottom. The Australian citizen had endured years of a long-distance relationship with her partner and the news came as a shock.
During filming of this documentary entitled, 'Who gets to stay in Australia,' she took an overdose declaring the department of Home Affairs should be held responsible.
After years of living apart, the department had questioned whether her relationship with Sumit was real.
Satinder says she made an irrational decision in the emotion of the moment and has since sought professional help for her mental health.
She encourages others to do the same.
Experts say when people are not granted permanent residency, some must begin again and often they face financial hardship.
Partner visas currently cost $7,715 with 90 per cent of offshore applications processed within 18 months.
More than 25,000 applications for permanent residency are refused each year.
In a statement, the Department of Home Affairs says visa applications “are generally processed in the order in which they are received and processing times vary according to individual circumstances as well as the complexity of the application, for example in relation to assessments of identity, health, character, and national security.”
The Health department says the government is helping mental health providers support culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including migrants.
Listeners needing support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Click on the player at the top of the page to listen to this feature in Punjabi.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
