When Parliament returns in October, Greens Senator Nick McKim will introduce a bill to allow stranded temporary residents to extend their Australian visas so they can return to Australia.

The pandemic has seen Australia closing its international borders, and thousands of citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents on a visa cannot return because of the border closure. Since temporary residents’ visas still run regardless of where they are, some of these visas are about to expire or, in a worst case scenario, they have already expired.

Skilled workers and students are some of the residents that, if the bill passes, will benefit.

Produced By: Eduardo Jordan

Featured In Story: Nick McKim – Greens Senator for Tasmania

First aired on The Wire, Friday 24 September 2021