Calls to expedite access to humanitarian visas promised to Ukrainians by federal government

Victoria Elgey is busy at work in her cafe on the main street of Cooma in the NSW Snowy Mountains but her mind is never far from home. Key points: The federal government announced in mid-March it would provide temporary humanitarian visas for Ukrainians Ukrainian-Australian Victoria Elgey wanted policy-making sped up to enable the delivery of the visas The Refugee Council of Australia said finer details were being sorted out but expected approval soon While war rages overseas, she is among many Ukrainian-Australians who have struggled to maintain a normal life while trying to help their friends and loved ones abroad. The temporary humanitarian visas would allow Ukrainians who have already arrived in Australia to stay for up to three years with the ability to work, study and access services like Medicare. The Department of Home Affairs said it is still working on transitioning Ukrainians in Australia onto temporary humanitarian visas. "The Department will provide further advice to support the transition of eligible and interested Ukrainians onto a Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa in due course," a spokesperson said.