Immigration issues SBS News

A new age cap on a popular graduate visa is leaving many international PhD students in Australia facing uncertain futures. Many say they will be forced to leave the country due to changes set to be made to Temporary Graduate Visa Class 485.

A new study has found children from migrant and refugee backgrounds are more likely to be developmentally vulnerable when starting school, causing repercussions which could carry into adulthood. Researchers say a collaborative response is needed from government, early-education providers and providers of settlement services.

A refugee advocacy service says granting permanent residency to the 'Bollard Man' who risked his life to protect others shows how 'broken' the immigration system is. While those working in the immigration sector support the man being given residency, organisations says its important the thousands of other visa holders who've contributed to the Australian community yet are still waiting for security are not forgotten.

There are people who show incredible resilience under the most difficult circumstances and Hedayat Osyan is one of them. The 32 year-old fled Afghanistan 15 years ago and has since built a thriving business helping others. Now he's been honoured with the UNHCR Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition.

For many refugees, starting life in a new country can be overwhelming but a supportive community can help navigate the many challenges. That's the idea behind an innovative pilot program which recruits small groups of volunteers to help and mentor refugees for 12 months after arrival. Now there are calls to expand the program to make it easier for Australians to sponsor family members or refugees they already know.

As Muslims get ready to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, cultural delicacies are being prepared by a diverse range of food businesses. Among them, several new ventures given a helping hand by a unique a social enterprise.