Akash, who moved from India to Australia in 2020, currently works as a retail manager on the Gold Coast. Like many others, he arrived on either the 494 or 491 visa, which classifies him as a "provisional resident" rather than a "temporary resident". These visas require support either from family or the government to live and work in regional areas for at least three years, with promises of permanent residency—through the 191 visa—at the end of this period. Unfortunately, the Department of Home Affairs seems to be struggling to approve Permanent Residency for these individuals efficiently.
Recent information from the Department reveals there are nearly 11,000 applications pending resolution, yet fewer than 300 Permanent Residency visas are processed each month. Akash feels he is being subjected to bias, stating, "I feel like I’m being treated with bias." Advocates argue these processing delays cause prolonged uncertainty, resulting in significant mental stress.
Prasoon Kottayodan, also facing similar challenges, is a chef who previously worked in Dubai and Singapore before settling in Australia. He remarks on the strain this creates on workers: "I'm stuck with the same employer until the permanent residency is secured," emphasizing how such restrictions limit his capacity to thrive here.
Matthew Nicklin, who moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in September 2022, works as a high school teacher and is grappling with the same predicament. His wife is a nurse, and they are raising their first child, with another on the way. Matthew points out, "I don’t contribute to housing issues; the government delays are what keep me from contributing," as some people blame newcomers for the housing crisis, hinting rather at governmental inefficiencies.
These frustrating circumstances have prompted visa holders, such as Akash and Prasoon, to initiate petitions urging lawmakers for more personnel to expedite the visa processing. So far, they have gathered over 5,500 signatures supporting this cause.
Meanwhile, on the cultural front, the Greek community will celebrate its rich heritage with the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney, organized by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, featuring the theatrical performance titled "Όπου Γη και Πατρίς Νο2 – From One Edge... to the Other." The play is the brainchild of Konstantinos Kalymnios, Eleni Tshefala, and Vasilis X. Yavris, under the direction of Stamatis Jelepidis.
The production is set to run from March 6 to March 9 at the Mandouridou Theatre, located at 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, with evening shows at 7:30 PM and two additional performances on Sunday, including one matinee at 4:30 PM. Notably, the show will be performed entirely in Greek, with English subtitles available for non-Greek speakers.
Eleni Tshefala, one of the writers and lead actors, expressed enthusiasm about the production, stating, "We are excited to showcase incredible talent through our production of ‘Όπου Γη και Πατρίς Νο2.’" The show promises to provide immense laughter and joy to its audience, offering rich cultural engagement within the community.
For those unable to attend the Sydney performances, additional shows will take place at the Kew High School Theatre, 826 High Street, Kew East, organized by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Eleni noted the importance of cultural expressions such as theater, especially under current circumstances involving immigration tensions and stress on international residents.
Acts like these not only provide entertainment but also build resilience and community connections for people facing turmoil. The juxtaposition of immigrant struggles for permanence within Australia against the vibrant culture celebrated through theater highlights the multifaceted experiences of immigrants.
This intersection of cultural preservation and the challenge of securing belonging brings forth the need for collective advocacy, encouraging prompt action on immigration policies to aid those contributing positively to the nation’s fabric.
The Greek Festival reminds us of the richness of diversity within Australia and the people, like Akash, Prasoon, and Matthew, who yearn for security and recognition within their new home.
Through arts and community mobilization, the Greek diaspora continues to assert its identity and influence—striving not just for individual successes but for collective acknowledgment and progress.