Sir,
Our firm has acted for many hundreds of Sikhs who have fled to Australia and then lodged applications to be granted refugee status.
There are several recurring factors: all are concerned for the families left behind, and also because of India’s currency regulations, they arrive in Australia with little money.
It is possible for those with funds in Australia to pay education fees for relatives/friends back in India and then the person in India can apply for a student visa to come to Australia. I believe Australian fees are high compared with other countries, but the question is: which country will accept the student?
The barrier is that continuing fees require a substantial bank balance. Obviously Sikhs in Australia with no assets and working as fruit pickers and similar will not be able to obtain loans from reputable banks, Credit institutions, etc.
Leaving aside how we choose applicants, repayments, etc. I have often considered whether I should ask my clients to pay a small amount (say $50.00 per year) into a fund so that several Sikh students can be sponsored to come to Australia, Because of the much larger Sikh population in America and Canada, may I ask your readers if any similar schemes have been considered or started in your countries, If any reader does have any information, could you write to me at:
C/-Adrian Joel & Co,
(Melb.),
P.O. Box 340,
Carlton South, Vic.,
AUSTRALIA. Regards,
Harold Jones, Consultant
Article extracted from this publication >> July 19, 1991
