The worst of both worlds

British Ex-Pat Retirees In Australia (BERIA), was set up to discuss problems and anomalies encountered by all nationalities who are holders of the Australian Sub-Class Visa 410 for Retirees, and to lobby for permanent residence for all 410 visa holders who request it.

This has proved to be very successful, not least in members helping one another with the requirements for renewing the visa.  They have also helped with information concerning the transfer of money, taxation, driving licenses, purchase of houses and many other aspects of settling in the country on such a visa.  As a holder of the 410 Visa you will be aware that it has now been discontinued and, as a group, we are currently working together with the aim of encouraging the government to consider allowing the holders of the 410 visa (some 5,000) to become permanent residents after living here for a certain period of time, so, if that is something that is of interest to you, then that would be another good reason for joining the group.

The name of the group is a bit of a misnomer, only when I tried to think of an appropriate title I was unaware that countries other than the UK could also apply for the visa until it was too late to change the name, so, apologies to 410 visa holders from those countries; all are very welcome to join and membership is free.

Besides many onsite discussions, informal social events are often arranged by members, so you may find you have other 410 visa holders living in your area, affording you the opportunity to discuss any problems you have with sympathetic and understanding people who are in the same situation.

The best way to join is to sign up to Yahoo Groups, as this gives you access to all the information on the BERIA website. Click here to join.   For step by step instructions to help you sign up, or if you're not confident about signing up online, e-mail beriahelp@ozemail.com.au   If you apply to join, and don't hear from us within 2 days, e-mail and we'll check out the problem and get back to you within 24 hours. Visit the Yahoo BERIA site here. 

Site Motto: Dum Spiro Spero (While there's life, there's hope)

Barbara  Lassiter
January 2008