Sydney: Nearly 2,300 people have died over the past three years while waiting for Australian parent visas, as delays have stretched up to 30 years, according to government data released during Senate estimates. These long wait times and the growing backlog have led to criticism of Australia's migration system, with some calling it "cruel and unnecessary." This staggering figure was revealed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, highlighting the severe delays that many are forced to endure.

The department’s recent data shows that 2,297 parent visa applicants, along with 87 other family members (including aged dependent relatives or carers), passed away while waiting for their applications to be processed. Processing times for a contributory parent visa now stand at 14 years, with a hefty fee of $48,495. Meanwhile, general-aged parent visas have an even longer wait time of 31 years, and a more affordable cost of $5,125.

The problem persists despite recent efforts to address the backlog. The Labor government raised the annual cap for parent visas, increasing the number from 4,500 to 8,500. However, the number of pending applications has continued to rise, from about 140,000 in mid-2023 to more than 150,000.

The delays have sparked widespread concern, with critics calling the situation cruel and unnecessary. Many applicants are unlikely to see their visa applications processed before they pass away, leaving families in distress. The migration review has also pointed to these slow processing times, with some suggesting a radical overhaul of the system. One proposal includes introducing a green-card style lottery system to more fairly allocate visas, while another suggests removing permanent residence options for parents altogether, in favor of improving access to temporary migration.

Former immigration deputy secretary Abul Rizvi has warned that cuts to permanent migration could worsen the crisis. According to Rizvi, limiting the number of parents allowed to enter the country could exacerbate the strain on families. He also noted that temporary parent visas may become more attractive as permanent visa options become harder to obtain.

Public submissions to the migration review have shed light on the emotional and psychological toll of these delays, which have caused significant stress for both the parents waiting overseas and their children residing in Australia. Families are grappling with uncertainty and hardship as they wait for a chance to reunite.

The current situation paints a grim picture for Australia’s parent visa system, with long waits, mounting backlogs, and increasing deaths among applicants, further underscoring the need for urgent reforms.