A crowd-funding campaign is seeking donations to help asylum seekers in Geelong apply for protection visas.
The Seeking Refuge Project, a partnership between seven community groups, needs $70,000 for interpreter services to help asylum seekers with visa-application process.
Project co-ordinator Marijana Graljuk said about 300 asylum seekers in the Geelong area would be able to apply for protection visas over the next three years.
Seeking Refuge was arranging workshops to help them complete their applications but most would need interpreters to ensure their information was accurately recorded, she said.
“Each application takes several hours to complete at a cost of around $465 in interpreting fees per application.
“Our volunteer team can provide migration law advice and practical help to the asylum seekers in our community but professional interpreters are essential so the asylum seekers and volunteers can understand each other.
“Without access to professional interpreters, asylum seekers will find it difficult to understand the requirements of the application process. Professional interpreters will provide asylum seekers with the best chance of completing their application correctly so their claim for protection can be reasonably assessed.
“Seeking asylum is a human and legal right but it’s a difficult process to go through without understanding the language on the application form or how to access help.”
Ms Graljuk said the project included rewards for donating, with donations over $2 tax deductible.
The Seeking Refuge Project is a partnership between Bellarine for Refugees, Barwon Community Legal Service, the Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment, Diversitat, the Combined Refugee Action Group Geelong, Refugee Legal and the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, with the support of Deakin University.
The project’s crowd-funding campaign is at pozible.com/seekingrefuge until 31 May.
