Programs

Interest-free Travel Loan Program

Sanctuary set up a ‘revolving’ travel loan fund in 1996 for refugees who are accepted by the Australian Government under the Special Humanitarian 202 Visa Program. Unlike other classes of visa such as the 200 visas, the 202 visa holders receive no assistance with their travel to Australia. After waiting for years, going through interviews, medicals, etc, many refugees who finally recieve Visa approval lose their only chance for a hopeful future because neither they nor their sponsor can fund their travel to Australia! As one Sanctuary worker put it, “It’s like winning the lotto and not having the bus fare to collect it.”

When we agree to help with an interest-free airfare loan, and the visa is finally approved, we go ahead and make travel arrangements for the refugee family, through the International Organisation for Migration office, and liaise with DIAC (the Department of Immigration and Citizenship) overseas on their behalf.

Once settled, each family gradually repays their interest-free airfare loan back (over two or more years) into the fund and the money is then ‘recycled’ to assist the next needy refugee family.

Sanctuary provides assistance with finding housing for new arrivals and making arrangements with all the local service providers as outlined below.

Refugee Advice and Support Program

CEO Peter Hallam, OAM, with Hau, a Burmese refugee.

Peter Hallam with Hau, a former Burmese refugee.

Sanctuary Australia Foundation  runs a very busy Refugee Advice and Support Program, which provides assistance to refugees living in many war-torn areas of the world, as well as those seeking advice locally and across Australia.

Those who have recieved UNHCR Refugee status are given sponsorship advice and help, both before they come to Australia, as well as after they arrival.  Many agencies across the country also approach Sanctuary for assistance with cases.

Sponsorship is very long process and requires communication between Sanctuary, the refugee applicant and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Sanctuary is also often in communication with the relevant Overseas Post regarding the success of refugees interviews, medical examinations and issuing of visas.

After refugees arrive, they are welcomed and assisted in all aspects of settlement by one of Sanctuary’s Australia-wide Sanctuary Refugee Support  groups.

Many refugees want to sponsor close family members who are left behind in dangerous circumstances.At present, only those with immediate family members,ie spouse or children already in Australia have a chance of getting visa approval under the unfunded Humanitarian 202 Visa Program.This is due to the large number of onshore arrivals, who now take priority in this visa category.

Caring and supportive face to face services are available in our Coffs Harbour office during working hours – 10am to 5pm weekdays,(closed Wednesdays) and by phone and Internet.

Our service provides new entrants to Australia with advice and support in regards to using the following services:

Hau and his family reunited again with sponsorship help from Sanctuary.

Hau and his family reunited again with sponsorship help from Sanctuary.

The need for an advisory service which covers all of the areas mentioned above is great, because often refugees lack the information, guidance and assistance that they need to allow them to become independent citizens, quickly and confidently. Schools and health services are often very stretched  trying to deal with  large numbers,and many refugees who enter Australia each year have suffered severe psychological trauma, and are in need of intense and ongoing assistance over an extended period of time, to help in their adjustment to a new society.
It takes time to adjust to their new environment here,and due to lack of knowledge,problems can occur through misunderstanding. By providing a service that addresses these issues, refugees will be more self-empowered and better able to handle difficulties. The Australian community will benefit, through having happier, well adjusted and more self-reliant members of the community.

One of the benefits is that many are eager to help other new arrivals when they themselves have full understanding of the relevant processes and help available.

Mr. Peter Hallam, OAM, is founder and manager, and has over 23 years of direct experience with Sanctuary, and works in all aspects of refugee assistance, settlement and education, as well as giving individual mentoring and working in an advisory capacity to other agencies on refugee issues.