Kenya Community Victoria Engages with Hon. Julian Hill MP on Key Issues Affecting Kenyans in Australia

Rahab Mwaniki, an official from Kenya Community Victoria, participated in a roundtable discussion with the Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, to address pressing concerns affecting Kenyans in Australia. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including visa regulations, employment discrimination, healthcare, and social issues impacting the Kenyan and broader African communities.

Key Issues Discussed:

1. English Language Requirements (PTE, IELTS):
   The Minister acknowledged concerns about the annual English proficiency test requirements for international students from African countries where English is the primary language of instruction. He assured that the government would reassess this policy, considering Kenya's strong case for exemption.

2. Genuine Student Evaluation (GSE):
   The discussion highlighted the challenges students face in passing the GSE, particularly those who intend to work after completing their studies. Mwaniki advocated for a more flexible system that allows students to transition from university to technical and further education (TAFE) institutions without facing unnecessary barriers.

3. Mental Health and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
   Concerns were raised about the limitations of OSHC, which often leads to high out-of-pocket expenses for international students. The Minister was urged to consider expanding coverage to ensure students receive adequate mental health support.

4. Employment Discrimination in Technical Fields:
   Kenyan professionals in IT and engineering are struggling to secure jobs in their respective fields despite Kenya being recognized as a ‘Silicon Savanna.’ Many highly skilled Kenyans are forced into blue-collar jobs due to systemic racism and workplace discrimination.

5. Temporary Humanitarian Visas:
   The difficulty of obtaining onshore humanitarian visas was discussed. The Minister explained that the Australian government primarily works with the UNHCR to process genuine cases, making it challenging for applicants already in Australia to secure such visas.

6. Partner Visa Delays:
   The processing time for partner visas, which can take 3-4 years, is causing long periods of family separation. With a backlog of 45,000 applications, the government faces challenges in balancing integrity measures—given that 10% of applications are fraudulent—while also addressing the prolonged wait times.

7. Strengthening Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Laws:
   The government is taking measures to combat racism, hate speech, and anti-Semitism through stronger legislative actions. Political leadership plays a crucial role in managing these issues effectively.

8. Targeting of African Households:
   There were concerns about a perceived increase in systematic targeting of African households by government agencies, raising fears of racial profiling.

9. African Children in Child Protection:
   The number of children of African descent in child protection services is on the rise. The meeting underscored the importance of cultural foster care programs to reduce new cases and rehabilitate those already in the system.

10. Funding for Arts and Cultural Programs:
    While the government supports various community initiatives, there are limitations on funding availability, making it difficult to accommodate all cultural groups.

11. Recognition of Africa Day:
    The Kenyan community advocated for the official recognition of Africa Day in Australia, similar to how the Lunar New Year and other cultural celebrations are acknowledged.

Looking Ahead

The meeting was a significant step in addressing key concerns within the Kenyan and broader African communities in Australia. Rahab Mwaniki emphasized the importance of continued engagement with government representatives to push for meaningful policy changes that enhance the welfare of Kenyans living in the country.