On the 30th of July 2022, we held a seminar entitled “Conversation with Carmen Lazar” at the Assyrian Language Centre in Melbourne.

This seminar, organised and delivered by Tawasul team, was one of its kind as the event’s marketing was tailored to the community’s needs in Q&A format.

The importance of such events

Delivering valuable information regarding the humanitarian immigration laws, CSP and CRISP visa, and answering direct questions live and in person, by one of the most experienced and reputable figures in the sector, Carmen Lazar.

The event was significant as it absorbed the critical needs, clarifications and correct information to reignite the hope in ways to grant refugees waiting in limbo.

We, as Tawasul, observed the feedback from our community in Victoria, that clearly needs regular information sessions, similar to this one, to receive and access information on how to utilise and benefit from various humanitarian visa categories. And Tawasul is keen to put in the work and put together more of such valuable seminars.

What was discussed?

The main conversation was focused on discussing the innovative Community Support Program (CSP). We had numerous interactions from the attendees, some of the questions included;

• How to assist my sister while she is in Turkey? She has been a refugee for 8 years. What is the reason for multiple rejections? Is it a political reason more than just an individual’s statement and file? She is one of the thousands of minority cases pending kindness from Australia.
• I have a family in Jordan. Due to Covid, their arrival was delayed until March 2020. Currently, they were requested to go through new medical tests. They have been waiting for 6 months. What can we do to bring them to Australia?
• How many visas are allocated to CSP cases? And how many cases can Assyrian Resource Centre bring during this financial year?
• I have a brother with a family in Turkey for 8 years. I, as a proposer, am struggling financially; what can I do to bring them beside the solution to CSP?
• Can Iraqi refugees move from Turkey to Jordan? As it is much easier to survive the daily struggle?
• Can my brother’s current file number (non-CSP) be transferred into a CSP pathway?

The Feedback

There was also rising interest in the new parent visa and a request for more information as it covers possible solutions for people aged over 50 years of age.

We noticed interest in the new CRISP visa and Carmen commented back and shared her interest in writing to the department her recommendations through evidenced case studies for further improvements.

The participants appreciated the hard work of Tawasul team in making and executing the event, as Carmen Lazar was present in Melbourne to share her generosity and patience in explaining the information as much as possible.

Positive feedback did make the difference regarding Tawasul being present in Melbourne as a point of feedback, reference and easy to approach locally for the community.

The audience asked the Tawasul team to organise more functions similar to Carmen Lazar, which helps build the community’s capacity in immigration law, processes and regulations.

What’s Next?

As we submit our official feedback and recommendation to the —- we will continue to work on this path for the benefit of our people.

For those who need assistance, looking for answers, or have a general enquiry regarding humanitarian visa programs to Australia, you are welcome to contact us directly.

Final Words

Lastly, we’d like to thank the civil and religious organisations’ representatives, and all individual community members who participated in the event, their constructive feedback and support for Tawasul as a trusted innovative hub that links and strengthens the community capacity of newly emerged refugees in Victoria particularly the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac community.