The COVID 19 and its impact on Tibetans migrating to Australia

Tibetans in Queensland during a 'Losar' or Tibetan New Year along with Councillor Vicky Howard in whose constituency most Tibetans in Brisbane live 

The first Tibetans who migrated to Australia in 1972 never thought a virus from the Wuhan city of China would one day impede Tibetans in their migration to Australia (from India). The only foreboding is Tibetans will face an uphill task travelling to India which happened since 2012 when it has been told metaphorically as ‘even ants can’t escape Tibet border’.                 

  

The ascension of Xi Jinping marked the reduction of Tibetans escaping into India and 2020 marked the impeding of Tibetans migrating to India due to Wuhan originated COVID 19. Though it hardly had impact on the Tibetans residing in Australia, it profoundly impacted those who are otherwise bound to have made their way into the country that has been offering them formal migration under protection visa since mid-1990s.

Since mid-March, not a single Tibetans including those who had their visa awarded made it to Australia. The last Tibetans migrating to Australia under the protection visa was on March 5 and 16 in (in Brisbane and Victoria respectively).

Hundreds of Tibetans who have already been awarded humanitarian protection visa are left stranded in India owing to the COVID 19, which is reminiscent of China’s effective control over their border that led to zero Tibetans fleeing Tibet to India. Whether China’s military controls Australian border or not, the virus emanated from China did their job instead affecting the Tibetans.

The Security Department of Central Tibetan Administration through which Tibetans migrate under humanitarian visa had advised the visa awardees to wait until end of August. However, the latest news report is unlikely to give smile to the visa awardees as  the border closure is slated to remain close at least till next year which would result in many of Tibetans needing to renew their visa permission or undertake further medical check-up.

Earlier, a family of four had their tickets cancelled at the eleventh hour in late March resulting in their return to Dharamsala upon arriving in Delhi, just a day before their travel time. Another family who had already booked their tickets and had their exit permit ready is still waiting for the Australian border to open.

While they remained hopeful of the situation, the growing concern in India with the country topping third in the list of transmission is unlikely to have its plane being welcomed into Australia as the latter follow strict health regulations. The borders hasn’t been opened since its closer to outside apart from emergency arrivals.

Some Tibetans are likely to face issues of heading back for another medical check up as six months is almost being passed since their first check-up. Some might have additional families in the meantime while others are waiting with bated breath as to when the situation will come back to normal.

The Tibetan Security Department remains the only formal communication between the Tibetans visa holders and the Australian government, though informal communication is also underway between the individuals and local Australia-based Tibetan community leaders on the monthly.

The settlement offices in Australia, including Brisbane also remained sadistic about the situation as funds have been reduced on top of downsizing the staffs.

Tibetans who migrate to Australia are received by the local Australian settlement officers as well as the Tibetan community leaders upon their arrival. Most of them will have their accommodation ready with all the facilities handy. Some might choose to live in their relative or friend’s residences for temporary stay while permanent residencies are to be sought after.

They will also be visited by number of Tibetan families welcoming them to Australia to ensure they don’t find homesick in new country. They also often get more introduced during the gathering of Tibetans in the cities for festivals and meetings.

Meanwhile, a several Tibetans had presumption that since their visa is permanent visa, they are permanent resident. The visa awardee Tibetans needs to be informed that they do not become permanent resident until they have landed in Australia. Therefore, they wouldn’t be able to make it here this time like permanent residents who have the exemption of returning to Australia despite border closure.