64,000 overstaying visas in Australia

More than 64,000 people, including more than 2000 from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, are in Australia without a proper permit. Of these foreigners, one in six have overstayed their visa by more than 20 years. These are the startling findings from an investigation by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. However, there's an alternative to being discovered and sent home or, worse, into detention...

Source: AAP

The DIBP in Canberra offers a service called CSRS (Community Status Resolution Service). It's a free and comprehensive service for people who have overstayed their visa.

The CSRS will give clear and correct information about appropriate immigration or departure options, answer questions and connect the person with organizations for further assistance.

Where do the unlawful non-citizens come from?

In 2016/17, Malaysians (nearly 10,000) were the largest group of unlawful non-citizens, followed by Chinese (6500), US nationals (5170), UK citizens (3700), Indonesians (2780) and Indians (2730).

Around 1510 were from Germany, 200 from Austria, and 330 from Switzerland.

Anyone can contact the CSRS anonymously to seek information, on 1300 853 773 or 131 450 (for interpreting assistance).

Translations in LOTE are available at Community Status Resolution Service - information in community languages.

Aufgepasst: Wer sein Visum überzieht, gilt in Australien als "unlawful non-citizen" Source: AAP