Public backlash over Australia’s July visa-fee increases intensified at the weekend as an online petition demanding the reversal of the Resident Return Visa (RRV) price rise surpassed 30,000 signatures. The RRV (subclass 155/157) used by permanent residents travelling frequently now costs A$1,475—up from A$490—drawing criticism from diaspora groups who call the hike “excessive, disproportionate and unfair.” Organisers plan to lodge the petition with Immigration Minister Clare O’Neil this week and are seeking support from cross-bench senators. Several small-business owners with long-expired PR travel facilities told Global Mobility News the new fee will deter them from attending trade fairs abroad. Migration lawyers add that the cost of obtaining a five-year RRV for a family of four now exceeds A$5,800 in government charges alone. Home Affairs says the higher fee brings RRVs into line with the “privilege” they confer: unlimited re-entry for permanent residents who have spent limited time in Australia. It also notes that eligible PRs can avoid repeat fees by applying for Australian citizenship instead. Nonetheless, mobility advisers recommend companies budgeting for employee home-leave trips factor in the steeper fee or encourage staff to naturalise sooner where possible.
Source: The Guardian Australia
