As per Awaaz, the 40-year-old Mumbai-born man became liable for deportation following a dangerous-driving conviction arising from a road-rage incident in January 2024. He had moved to New Zealand in 2015 and obtained residence in July 2022.

The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT), in a decision issued on 23 October 2026, concluded that his circumstances did not meet the exceptional humanitarian threshold required to overturn the deportation decision.

According to the tribunal’s findings, the confrontation began while the man was driving to work with his wife. A motorcyclist passed his vehicle and kicked its wing mirror.

The situation escalated when the driver pursued the motorcyclist, attempted to force him off the road and later blocked his path. The man then deliberately drove into the motorcyclist, injuring his leg.

He initially left the scene but returned shortly afterwards and was arrested. In January 2025, he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing injury. The court disqualified him from driving for 12 months and ordered him to pay NZ$6,402 in reparation.

His conviction subsequently placed his New Zealand immigration status at risk.

In challenging deportation, the man highlighted the life he had established with his wife, who is also an Indian citizen but holds New Zealand permanent residence. She told the tribunal she wanted to remain in New Zealand because her career and immediate family were based there.

The couple had purchased a house-and-land package in late 2023, partly with financial assistance from his parents in India. The tribunal accepted that his removal could place significant pressure on their relationship and potentially lead to the end of their marriage.

His health circumstances also formed a major part of the appeal. Evidence presented to the tribunal showed that a debilitating medical condition had affected his capacity to work. He resigned from his IT job in February 2025 as his condition deteriorated and returned to full-time employment in June 2026 after psychological treatment costing more than NZ$8,000.

At the time of the hearing, he was earning NZ$75,000 a year, while his wife earned NZ$130,000. His representatives argued that deportation could disrupt his recovery and leave the couple facing the prospect of selling their home.

The tribunal acknowledged the medical and personal difficulties but found there was insufficient evidence that he would be unable to manage his condition or obtain treatment in India. It also noted his professional qualifications, work experience and family support in Mumbai.

The decision further observed that his wife, as an Indian citizen, could legally live and work in India, although she had made clear her preference to remain in New Zealand.

The tribunal also considered the steps he had taken since the offending. He had completed a 20-week anger management programme, undertaken several driving courses, paid the full reparation amount and demonstrated remorse.

However, tribunal member L Wakim found that these rehabilitation efforts did not establish exceptional humanitarian circumstances. The tribunal also considered the consequences of the road-rage incident for the injured motorcyclist and the man’s own family.

Although the appeal was dismissed, the tribunal allowed him up to six months from 23 October 2026 to leave New Zealand. The additional time is intended to give him an opportunity to organise his affairs, including decisions about the couple’s jointly owned property.

In a further concession, the tribunal removed the permanent prohibition on his return to New Zealand that would otherwise apply following deportation.

He may therefore be able to visit his wife or apply for another visa in the future, but any application would still require approval from Immigration New Zealand.

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The election took place on Monday evening, 9 November 2026, at The Capital theatre in Bendigo, where approximately 250 people gathered to witness the occasion.

With family, friends, community members and supporters present, Awasthi was elected by his fellow councillors to lead Greater Bendigo for the 2026–27 mayoral term.

For Awasthi, the occasion carried a meaning far beyond his personal achievement.

He described his election as an “extraordinary moment” for migrants who have made Australia, and particularly Bendigo, their home.

His election also carries special meaning for the Indian Australian community, with Awasthi’s journey reflecting the growing participation of migrant Australians in local government and civic life.

Originally from Mandi in India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Awasthi arrived in Australia in 2008 as an international student to pursue a Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at La Trobe University.

Like thousands of international students who arrive in Australia seeking education and new opportunities, he began his journey far removed from the world of local government and politics.

After moving to Bendigo in 2010, he gradually became involved in community organisations, volunteering and multicultural initiatives.

Over the following years, Bendigo became more than the city where he lived and worked. It became home for his family and the community he would eventually represent.

Awasthi founded the Indian Association of Bendigo, which was formally established in 2021, helping bring together Indian families across central Victoria through cultural celebrations, charitable activities and community support programs.

His involvement extended beyond the Indian community. He has worked with organisations including Rotary, multicultural services, community houses and local sustainability groups.

In November 2024, Awasthi entered elected office after winning the Kennington Ward election with 58.86 per cent of first-preference votes, defeating Gavin Hicks.

He subsequently became Greater Bendigo’s first Indian-born Deputy Mayor for the 2024–25 term, serving alongside then Mayor Andrea Metcalf.

Two years after first entering the council chamber, his unanimous election as Mayor represents another milestone in his public life.

As a councillor, Awasthi has advocated for improved local services, affordable housing, better walking and cycling infrastructure, support for small businesses and more mental health services.

His elevation to the mayoralty also comes as regional Victorian communities continue to change, with people from different cultural and migrant backgrounds increasingly contributing to local businesses, education, healthcare and community organisations.

The presence of approximately 250 people at The Capital, including those closest to Awasthi, gave the occasion a personal dimension.

For migrant families who have built their lives in regional Australia, his election offers a visible example of how community involvement can lead to leadership in the places they now call home.

From the hills of Himachal Pradesh to the mayoral office in Bendigo, Awasthi’s story is one of migration, community service and an enduring connection to his adopted home.

His election places him at the head of the council responsible for representing residents across Greater Bendigo’s nine wards, with the task of turning that community connection into decisions affecting the city’s future.

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The changes, which took effect on 31 October 2026 through Ministerial Direction 123, place greater emphasis on community safety, social cohesion, respect for the law and human rights when assessing whether a non-citizen should be allowed to remain in Australia.

Under the revised direction, decision-makers can consider whether a person’s behaviour might cause harm, replacing the previous wording that required consideration of whether the person would cause harm.

The changes also reduce the weight given to a person’s length of residence in Australia, family connections, children and community contributions when assessing visa cancellation and revocation cases.

These factors are no longer treated as primary considerations, making it more difficult for some visa holders to rely on their Australian family and community ties when challenging a cancellation decision.

The revised rules expand the conduct considered under the character test, including engagement with hate groups, hate crimes, antisemitism, support for terrorism and racist attitudes.

Family and domestic violence will also receive greater weight, with the direction specifically identifying coercive control, image-based abuse, neglect, harassment and abuse involving digital technology.

The direction states that the serious nature of certain conduct, including domestic and family violence, may outweigh even strong countervailing considerations when deciding whether to cancel a visa.

The changes follow the High Court’s 2023 decision in the NZYQ case, which found that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful where there was no reasonable prospect of removing a person from Australia in the reasonably foreseeable future.

The ruling led to the release of more than 200 people from immigration detention, including individuals with criminal records.

In February 2025, the Australian Government reached an arrangement with Nauru to facilitate the removal of some non-citizens affected by the decision.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the previous ministerial direction had been written before the new arrangement was reached and contained interpretations that were inconsistent with his position.

“Ministerial directions always need to be updated,” Burke said.

He said the revised direction reflected the changed circumstances and the government’s approach to visa character assessments.

The visa changes come amid broader political debate over Australia’s migration levels and community safety.

The government has introduced other measures affecting international students, working holiday makers and visa overstayers as it seeks to bring migration-driven population growth towards a long-term target of 225,000 a year.

The Coalition has proposed reducing annual migration to 100,000 for four years if elected, before increasing it to 160,000, while One Nation has advocated a temporary reduction in net migration followed by an annual cap of 130,000.

The opposition has also called for an Australian values test as a condition of visa approval and greater scrutiny of migrants’ social media activity.

Under Australia’s Migration Act 1958, non-citizens can already have their visas refused or cancelled if they fail the character test. The new ministerial direction changes how decision-makers weigh relevant considerations when exercising their powers.

The changes do not mean that every person accused of harmful behaviour will automatically lose their visa. Individual cases remain subject to the applicable provisions of migration law and the relevant decision-making process.

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In his official Diwali message, Albanese said the festival represented an ancient tradition of spiritual and personal renewal, underpinned by generosity and the embrace of new beginnings.

“For Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities, Diwali is deeply embedded in culture – an ancient tradition of spiritual and personal renewal, underpinned by the cultivation of generosity and the embrace of new beginnings,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the festival’s message extended beyond religious and cultural boundaries, encouraging compassion, understanding and unity.

“With love and unity at its luminous heart, it is a message – and an invitation – that is as welcome now as it has ever been.”

Albanese said the lighting of diyas, candles and lanterns reflected shared hopes for humanity and the belief that goodness, knowledge and truth would prevail.

He also highlighted Diwali’s growing place in Australia’s multicultural identity, saying the celebrations brought people from different backgrounds together through the bonds of family, friendship and community.

“We can all take pride and joy in just how intrinsically Diwali has become part of the face of modern Australia.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of communities that have maintained their cultural heritage while helping shape Australia’s national identity through generations of hard work, aspiration and commitment to the country.

“As you honour the birthright of your heritage, you add so much to the land that is your home,” he said.

Concluding his message, Albanese wished those celebrating Diwali hope and optimism for the future.

“May your Diwali celebrations uplift you in hope for a brighter future.”

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According to a Givealittle fundraising page established by his cousin, Neelkamal Singh Sandhu, Lovedeep suffered severe burn injuries and was admitted to Waikato Hospital, where he received emergency medical treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not recover from his injuries and died on his birthday.

“Losing our brother on his own birthday has made this tragedy even more heartbreaking for our entire family,” Neelkamal wrote on the fundraising page.

“A day that should have been filled with happiness will now forever be remembered with sadness,”

The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of repatriating Lovedeep’s body to India, including transportation and funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will be used to provide financial support to his grieving parents.

Neelkamal, who is organising the appeal on behalf of the family, has asked the community to contribute whatever they can or share the fundraising page to help bring Lovedeep home.

“Our greatest wish is to bring Lovedeep’s body back to India so our family can perform his final rites and give him the dignified farewell he deserves.”

The family has appealed for donations and community support during what it describes as an extremely difficult time.

The circumstances surrounding the incident that caused the burns have not been disclosed.

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Education Minister Joël Arseneau described the proposed ban as “non-negotiable” on Wednesday, saying the party intended to fulfil an election commitment to extend the province’s secularism laws.

“We’ll work to get it done,” Arseneau told local media when asked whether the government would proceed with the proposal.

The plan would broaden restrictions introduced under the former Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, which already prohibit certain public employees, including teachers, from wearing religious symbols such as the hijab, turban and kippah while at work.

The proposed extension to children has prompted strong objections from religious organisations and civil liberties advocates, who argue that it would restrict religious freedom, freedom of expression and equal access to public education.

The Conseil National des Québécois Musulmans (CNQM) said the announcement had raised serious concerns about the rights of religious minorities and the place of religion in Quebec society.

Stephen Brown, chief executive of the organisation, said the proposal risked sending a message to children that they did not fully belong in society.

“That they’re not a member of society,” he said.

“And that they are second-class citizens.”

Brown said the restrictions could affect children who wear religious garments or symbols, including the hijab, turban, kippah and crucifix. He described the proposal as discrimination against religious minorities and warned that his organisation was prepared to challenge the legislation in court if it became law.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom also criticised the proposal, questioning why religious clothing should determine whether children are accepted in public schools.

She said parents raising their children in Quebec wanted them to become good citizens and neighbours, but that had little to do with what they wore.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association also raised concerns. Anaïs Bussières McNicoll said the proposed measure would infringe on freedom of religion and freedom of expression and could be discriminatory.

She questioned whether the PQ government intended to invoke the notwithstanding clause, a constitutional provision previously used by Quebec to shield legislation such as Bill 21 from certain Charter challenges.

Human rights lawyer Julius Grey also expressed concern about the direction of Quebec’s secularism policies, arguing that successive restrictions had increasingly limited individual freedoms.

The opposition party Québec solidaire has said it will vote against the proposed ban. Its education and secularism critic, Roxane Milot, argued that the government should focus on pressing challenges facing schools, including staff shortages, school infrastructure, educational inequality and student dropout rates.

In 2019, the CAQ government introduced Bill 21, which prohibits certain public officials in positions of authority, including teachers, police officers and judges, from wearing religious symbols while performing their duties.

The legislation has faced several legal challenges and is now before the Supreme Court of Canada, with a ruling expected this autumn. Critics argue that it infringes on fundamental rights, while supporters maintain that it protects the religious neutrality of the state.

Quebec has since expanded its secularism framework through further measures, including restrictions affecting daycare workers and school environments. A separate Bill 9 introduced under the previous CAQ government also proposed restrictions on collective religious practices in public spaces and religious symbols in subsidised childcare settings.

The PQ’s proposal to extend the restrictions to elementary school students has renewed concerns about the impact of secularism laws on religious minorities, particularly Muslim, Sikh and Jewish communities.

It remains unclear when the new government intends to introduce the legislation. Quebec’s legislature is scheduled to resume sitting on 17 November.

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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out the final proposals, which would replace the automatic expectation of settlement after five years with a system in which migrants must meet additional requirements to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Under the reforms, the standard pathway will increase to 10 years. Migrants will also need to demonstrate sustained employment and National Insurance contributions, meet a higher English-language standard, have no criminal record and owe no debt to the taxpayer.

People earning at least £50,271 (approximately A$96,020) a year for three of the five years immediately before applying will be eligible for settlement after five years. Those earning more than £125,141 (approximately A$238,990) a year, as well as highly skilled migrants on routes such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas, will be able to qualify after three years.

Some care workers will retain a five-year pathway, provided they meet the visa requirements and earned at least £25,000 (approximately A$47,750) annually. This provision applies to those who arrived in the UK before May 2025.

Skilled public service workers, including doctors, nurses and teachers, will also be eligible for the five-year route. Certain other health and education workers, such as nursing auxiliaries and teaching assistants, will qualify if they arrived before May 2025. People holding British National (Overseas) status from Hong Kong will also retain a five-year pathway.

The proposals introduce longer qualifying periods for people who have claimed certain benefits or breached immigration rules. They will generally have to wait at least 20 years to qualify for settlement.

People who entered the UK illegally, including by small boat, could face waits of up to 30 years, depending on their circumstances.

The Government has also outlined separate arrangements for refugees. Those who arrive through an official government resettlement scheme will be eligible for settlement after five years.

Other refugees will generally need to wait 10 years and must be working or studying. Those who do neither will face a 20-year qualifying period. Refugees who arrived by small boat or another illegal route will face a 20-year wait if they work or study, increasing to 30 years if they do not.

The reforms are expected to apply to migrants already living in the UK who have not yet been granted settlement. People who have already received indefinite leave to remain will not be affected.

Indefinite leave to remain allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. Those who hold ILR can apply for British citizenship after 12 months, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

The proposals were first outlined in November 2025. Following a consultation, Mahmood has now announced the Government’s final decisions on the changes it intends to take forward.

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The post New migrants to UK face 10-year wait for permanent residency under sweeping immigration changes first appeared on The Australia Today.

In a petition addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Education Minister Jason Clare and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly, Tamil education organisations have called for Tamil to be elevated from a “Supported Language” to a “Priority Language”.

The campaign follows recommendations made in June 2026 by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education for a 10-year National Asia Capability Strategy. The Committee identified Mandarin, Indonesian, Hindi and Japanese as four priority Asian languages, while placing Tamil in the supported category.

The petition argues that the distinction has significant consequences for students, including access to direct Commonwealth investment, Asian Language Hubs, university course protection, targeted teacher supply and a proposed nationally consistent five-point ATAR bonus for Year 12 students.

It says a student who studies Tamil from preschool through to Year 12 could miss out on the proposed ATAR bonus, while a student studying a designated Priority Language would be eligible.

“We are not asking for anything to be taken from other languages. We are asking for Tamil to be judged by the same standards, and given the same opportunity.”

The petition sets out six key demands, including designating Tamil as a Priority Asian Language, publishing the criteria for Priority status and assessing Tamil against those criteria transparently.

It also calls for Tamil students to have access to the proposed ATAR bonus and university pathways, alongside investment in teachers, learning resources and community language schools.

The campaign is seeking the development of a national Tamil curriculum through the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), drawing on existing work in Western Australia and resources developed by the NSW Federation of Tamil Schools.

According to the petition, the NSW Federation has developed learning resources from Pre-Kindy to Year 10 and is working on materials for Years 11 and 12. Its affiliated schools across NSW, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory teach around 5,000 students.

Tamil is already taught through the Collaborative Curriculum and Assessment Framework for Languages (CCAFL) in NSW, the ACT and Victoria. Western Australia has developed a Tamil curriculum from Pre-primary to Year 10, as well as Year 11 and 12 ATAR courses.

The petition urges education ministers to consult Tamil educational organisations and use these existing resources and programmes when implementing the proposed strategy.

The campaign also makes an economic and strategic case for recognising Tamil, highlighting its significance across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Tamil is an official language in Sri Lanka and Singapore, as well as in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which has a population of nearly 78 million.

The petition points to Australia’s trade and investment relationships with India, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, arguing that Tamil language capability could help strengthen business, education, tourism and diplomatic links.

It cites two-way trade between Australia and India of $54.4 billion in goods and services in 2024–25, trade with Singapore of $47.4 billion in 2024, and trade with Malaysia of $33 billion in 2023–24.

It also highlights Tamil Nadu’s economic significance, including its manufacturing and export industries, particularly electronics and automobiles.

“A language spoken across the factories of Chennai, the boardrooms of Singapore and the ports of the Indian Ocean is a national economic asset, not just a community heritage.”

The petition also refers to the growing number of Australians who speak Tamil at home. It cites the 2021 Census figure of 95,404 Tamil speakers, an increase of approximately 30 per cent over five years.

It says the parliamentary committee recognised growing demand for South Asian languages, including Tamil, and observed that this demand could become “one of the more sustainable sources of Asia capability in the country”.

The campaign argues that Tamil already has a student base and community education infrastructure in Australia, and that these should be recognised in the national strategy.

The petition is seeking 15,000 signatures by 30 November 2026, with an overall target of 50,000. It encourages Tamil speakers and supporters of language and cultural diversity to sign and share the campaign.

The campaign has been issued by the NSW Federation of Tamil Schools Inc and Balar Malar Tamil Educational Association Inc, alongside other Tamil education organisations.

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The change means applicants who leave Australia while their Protection visa application is being processed, or while they are waiting for a review outcome, may not be able to return.

The department said Bridging visa B applications lodged before 1 November would continue to be processed. However, people who already hold a Bridging visa B but whose travel facility has expired will not be able to apply for another one to travel.

Protection visa applicants are generally granted a Bridging visa A, C or E, depending on their substantive visa and lawful status when they apply. These bridging visas do not allow holders to return to Australia if they leave the country.

The changes apply to people seeking a Protection (subclass 866) visa, which allows eligible refugees and people facing significant harm or persecution in their home countries to live permanently in Australia.

The department has stressed that the visa is intended for people who genuinely need Australia’s protection, not those seeking to extend their stay to work.

Department warns against unsuitable applications

The Department of Home Affairs said Protection visa applications were being processed more quickly than in previous years, allowing decisions to be made sooner.

It said approximately 85 per cent of applications were refused because applicants did not meet the visa requirements, with refusal rates for some nationalities approaching 100 per cent.

The department has used examples to illustrate the potential consequences of applying for a Protection visa without meeting the eligibility criteria.

In one case, Jone arrived in Australia in 2024 on a Temporary Work (International Relations) visa under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme to work on a Queensland farm. After four months, he moved to Brisbane to look for another job without informing his employer. Following a friend’s suggestion, he applied for a Protection visa as a way to remain in Australia and continue working.

The department refused his application within a few months, finding that he did not meet the visa criteria. His temporary work visa was also cancelled after he stopped working for his PALM scheme employer. He subsequently remained in Australia and continued working without a visa, before being detained by the Australian Border Force and removed from the country. The department said he now owed the Australian Government thousands of dollars in removal costs and that his son could face difficulties obtaining a visa to work in Australia in the future.

Another example involved Gabriella, an international student who arrived in Sydney in 2022. The department said she trusted a person advertising migration services on TikTok, who applied for a Protection visa on her behalf using bogus documents and false information without her knowledge.

The application was refused after the department identified the documents and information as false. The department warned that Gabriella could face a substantial fine and up to 10 years in prison for providing false or misleading information.

The department also described the case of Ahn, who arrived in Australia on a visitor visa in 2024 after an overseas agent allegedly misled her about her work rights and visa options. She was directed to a job on a Victorian citrus farm and later discovered that a Protection visa application had been lodged on her behalf. After it was refused and her visitor visa expired, she was detained and removed from Australia.

A further example involved Qian, a visitor who was offered Australian permanent residency through a business advertising on social media. The business proposed lodging a Protection visa application based on a fabricated account of persecution in his home country. After researching the visa requirements and possible consequences, Qian withdrew his application, although he did not recover the money he had paid.

The department said a refused Protection visa application remains on a person’s immigration record for life and can affect future visa applications for both the applicant and their family.

Applicants urged to seek legal advice

The department has urged anyone considering a Protection visa application to obtain professional advice from a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner before lodging an application.

It warned applicants to be cautious of unregistered advisers and social media operators who promise permanent residency or encourage people to submit false information or documents.

Providing false or misleading information, or submitting bogus documents, can lead to substantial fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years. A visa granted on the basis of false information may also be cancelled.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted on their behalf is accurate, even when another person prepares or lodges the application.

The department also encouraged people to use free and confidential advice services provided by specialist refugee and immigration legal organisations in their state or territory.

The department’s guidance further states that a person granted a Protection visa cannot travel to the country from which they sought protection without permission from the Australian Government, including to visit family members.

The new travel arrangements take effect on 1 November. People affected by the changes should check their visa conditions and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional before making overseas travel plans.

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The observation came in a decision dismissing the refugee appeals of an Indian Sikh couple whose original NZ$56,000 loan allegedly grew to nearly NZ$336,000, amid threats from an unlicensed moneylender and legal proceedings in India.

As per Awaaz, in its 29 October decision, tribunal member B L Burson identified indebtedness to private and unlicensed moneylenders as a structural feature of the Indian economy, noting that harassment by debt recovery agents was common.

He observed that migrants who borrow heavily to fund overseas education or employment were increasingly bringing similar protection claims before the tribunal.

The couple’s financial difficulties began in Punjab, where the wife planned to pursue further education overseas.

It is reported that in December 2015, she borrowed money from a bank to finance her studies. Her father-in-law provided land ownership documents as security, while the family also borrowed from relatives.

After her New Zealand student visa was approved in January 2016, her husband and father-in-law borrowed the equivalent of NZ$56,000 from an unlicensed moneylender in March that year to repay earlier debts.

The loan carried interest of two per cent a month and was expected to be repaid within two years. The husband joined his wife in New Zealand in May 2016.

However, the debt remained unpaid. By 2018, the lender had begun demanding repayment, with requests for money allegedly escalating into threatening phone calls and messages.

The husband’s father eventually signed an affidavit disowning the couple from his property. In March 2024, the moneylender allegedly assaulted the father and threatened to kill him and his son.

Following a complaint to the local village council and police, a compromise was reached under which the lender agreed to stop pursuing the father and deal only with the husband.

The following month, the lender sent the husband a calculation showing that the outstanding amount had increased to nearly NZ$336,000.

The couple applied for refugee protection in New Zealand in April 2024.

The husband continued receiving threatening messages from the lender, who claimed to have powerful connections across India. The lender also threatened to initiate multiple court cases and prevent the husband from leaving prison.

The moneylender subsequently initiated proceedings in India after two cheques issued by the husband were dishonoured because of insufficient funds.

However, the tribunal dismissed the couple’s appeals without an oral hearing, finding them manifestly unfounded.

Burson concluded that the dispute arose from a loan default rather than persecution connected to a ground recognised under the Refugee Convention. He also found insufficient evidence that the couple faced a real risk of serious harm meeting the legal requirements for refugee or protected-person status.

In considering the threats, Burson reasoned that killing the husband would undermine the lender’s efforts to recover the debt.

The tribunal also considered that the couple could seek protection from Indian police and pursue legal remedies through the country’s legal system.

While acknowledging the couple’s difficult circumstances, Burson said New Zealand’s international protection obligations were not intended to address every form of hardship.

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The post Indian couple’s asylum claim rejected by immigration tribunal; sought protection from alleged threats by Punjab-based moneylender first appeared on The Australia Today.

As per SMH, Simexwell Cyril was arrested by NSW Police Homicide Squad detectives at Parramatta Police Station on Tuesday and charged with publishing false or misleading material to obtain an advantage and making a false representation that resulted in a police investigation.

Police allege Cyril claimed he had been struck by shrapnel during the attack but was not injured and was not in Bondi Beach when the shooting occurred.

The NSW Government established a $35,000 lump-sum support payment for eligible victims of the December 14 attack, which killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, and injured dozens of others.

Cyril was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on November 18. However, Australian Border Force officers took him into custody after he was found to have overstayed his visa.

He was transferred to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre and faces deportation after his criminal matters are finalised, according to media reports.

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An October 2026 survey by the Growth Intelligence Centre, part of News Corp Australia’s The Growth Distillery, found that 55 per cent of respondents considered Australia’s current migrant intake too high. Only 6 per cent believed the country should accept more migrants.

The findings come as immigration remains a prominent political issue during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s second term, with migration policy attracting renewed attention amid the rising profile of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

The survey points to a significant generational divide. Among Pre-Boomers, Baby Boomers and GenX respondents, 72 per cent in each group said current migration levels were too high.

Younger Australians expressed a different view. The survey found that 54 per cent of GenZ respondents and 49 per cent of millennials believed the current intake was about right. GenZ was also the most likely generation to favour an increase, with 9 per cent supporting higher migration, compared with 7 per cent of millennials.

Opposition to current migration levels varied across states. South Australia recorded the highest proportion of respondents who considered the intake too high, at 60 per cent, followed by Victoria and New South Wales at 55 per cent each. Tasmania recorded the lowest proportion, at 37 per cent.

These findings reflect views about the scale of migration, but the broader debate also raises questions about Australia’s multicultural identity, changing migration patterns and the pressures shaping public attitudes.

Further, according to an analysis published by the Australian Financial Review’s AFR Weekend, 32 per cent of Australians were born overseas, the highest share among Western countries and around twice the proportions in the United States and United Kingdom.

The analysis found that Asia has accounted for between 44 and 87 per cent of net overseas migration in every year since 2007, with the share now consistently around 70 per cent. However, the countries contributing to these flows have changed considerably.

Net migration from China fell from a pre-pandemic peak of 48,330 in 2017 to 22,680 in 2025, representing 7.6 per cent of net overseas migration that year.

Over the same period, migration from South Asia increased from 61,200 in 2007 to 113,000 in 2025.

Researchers cited demographic changes, educational opportunities in China and differences in Australia’s relationships with China and India as factors influencing these trends.

The analysis also pointed to changes in migration from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. These flows have risen since the pre-pandemic period, influenced by factors including economic conditions and changes to travel and working arrangements.

Migration patterns are shaped by multiple forces, including labour demand, education, family reunion, humanitarian commitments and international developments. As the AFR analysis noted, governments do not have complete control over where migration originates.

The Scanlon Foundation’s 2025 data, cited in the AFR analysis, found that 83 per cent of Australians continued to support multiculturalism, down from 89 per cent in 2023. At the same time, the proportion who believed migration from diverse backgrounds strengthened Australia fell from 78 per cent in 2023 to 67 per cent in 2025.

These figures suggest that Australians can continue to value cultural diversity while expressing concerns about the number of people entering the country.

Attitudes also vary according to migrants’ countries of origin. The AFR analysis cited Scanlon Foundation data showing that 61 per cent of Australians viewed migrants from the United Kingdom positively, compared with 30 per cent for migrants from China or India and 18 per cent for those from Sudan.

Such differences highlight the complexity of public attitudes towards migration. Views about overall intake levels, perceptions of particular migrant communities and support for multiculturalism are related, but they are not interchangeable measures.

Immigration has become a point of political contest, with parties debating the appropriate size of the intake and how Australia should approach integration and social cohesion.

For policymakers, the challenge is therefore broader than setting a numerical target. It involves balancing population growth, workforce requirements, housing and infrastructure capacity, humanitarian obligations and public confidence in the migration system.

The October survey adds to evidence that concern about migration levels has become a significant issue for many Australians. Its findings, particularly the generational differences, indicate that public attitudes are not uniform.

At the same time, the continued high level of support for multiculturalism suggests that debate over the scale and management of migration should not automatically be interpreted as a rejection of cultural diversity.

Australia’s migration system has contributed to the country’s workforce, institutions and cultural life. The policy question facing governments is how to manage future migration in a way that responds to economic and demographic needs while maintaining public confidence and supporting social cohesion.

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International students can work in Canada only if their study permit includes conditions authorising them to work on or off campus. Those eligible to work off campus are generally limited to 24 hours per week while classes are in session.

Working more hours than permitted is a violation of study permit conditions. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students who breach these conditions can lose their student status, have future study or work permit applications refused, and may be required to leave Canada.

Students should check the conditions attached to their permits and confirm their eligibility before accepting employment or taking on additional shifts.

International students who want to remain employed in Canada after completing their studies must obtain a work permit. Some graduates may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), while others may be eligible for a different type of work permit.

Graduates who have applied for a PGWP may be allowed to work full-time while awaiting a decision, provided they meet specific conditions. These include having held a valid study permit when they applied, completing their study programme, and having been eligible to work off campus while studying without exceeding the permitted hours.

Those who do not meet these conditions must wait until their work permit is issued before starting a new job.

IRCC warns that working in Canada without the required authorisation is illegal.

International students can check the official Canadian government guidance on working on campus, working off campus and post-graduation work permit eligibility to understand the rules that apply to their circumstances.

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The Australian High Commission in New Delhi said the new requirements apply to visa applications lodged on or after 26 October. Applications submitted before that date and visas already granted are not affected by the change.

“Applicants for an Australian visa in India may be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a facial image, as part of the visa application process.”

Not every applicant will automatically need to provide biometrics. Department of Home Affairs will notify individuals who are required to complete the process and explain the steps they must follow.

Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be directed to visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person or may be eligible to submit their biometric information through the Australian Immi App.

There are 16 biometric collection centres operated by VFS Global across India, according to the information provided.

The High Commission has advised applicants to wait for official instructions from the Department of Home Affairs before booking an appointment or attempting to submit information through the app. Eligible applicants who have previously provided biometrics at a collection centre and hold a valid passport may be able to use the app at no cost.

Biometrics are personal identifiers, including fingerprints and facial images, that help authorities verify a person’s identity.

Under Australia’s Migration Act 1958 and Privacy Act, biometric information may be collected, stored and used to support identity checks and protect against identity fraud. Authorities may also compare the information with previously stored records when a person enters Australia or applies for another visa.

The Department of Home Affairs may check biometric information with Australian or international agencies to verify identity, criminal history or immigration history, in accordance with applicable laws and safeguards.

Australia already collects biometric information from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries. The expansion brings India into the programme.

The High Commission said the change was intended to support a secure, efficient and trusted visa system and was not expected to adversely affect processing times, provided applicants complete any requested steps promptly.

Applicants have been advised to follow official instructions from the Department of Home Affairs and use its authorised channels for information about biometric collection. Optional services offered by service providers do not influence visa processing times or the outcome of an application.

Indian travellers planning to visit Australia should therefore check their official visa communications carefully and provide fingerprints or a facial image only if instructed to do so.

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Two years later, her idea has grown into a wider movement, raising a simple question for Australian universities: if campuses pride themselves on welcoming students from around the world, why are basic bathroom needs still overlooked?

Shaikha’s campaign began with a familiar culture shock. As an international student in Canada, she was surprised by the absence of bidets in university washrooms. For millions of people, washing with water after using the toilet is an everyday hygiene practice and, for many, a religious obligation.

For those who do not prefer toilet paper, carrying a water bottle into a cubicle is hardly an ideal substitute. It can be awkward, inconvenient and unreliable. What happens when you forget it?

Four bidets were installed at the Scarborough Student Centre in September 2024. A year later, the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union and its Muslim Students’ Association announced installations at their student centre. By 2026, seven bidets had reached the university’s St George campus.

Shaikha says more than 2,500 students are involved in the wider initiative, with chapters at universities including Waterloo, Guelph and Harvard. Firstpost has reported that the network claims more than 20 chapters. Grinnell College in Iowa has also installed bidets in nearly all its residence halls.

The campaign has encountered obstacles. At McMaster University, a request for C$7,000 to install 14 handheld sprayers was rejected. At Mississauga, commercial plumbing requirements reportedly pushed installation costs to around C$600–700 per unit, compared with roughly C$100–150 in residential settings. Concerns about wet floors and maintenance have also complicated installations.

These are practical issues that universities need to address. But they should not end the conversation.

In 2013, Prof. Heddy Zola, then research director at SA Pathology in Adelaide, suggested that new buildings should consider providing squat toilets to accommodate a diverse workforce. The University of Adelaide pointed to existing facilities with culturally appropriate ablutions and squat toilets, while Flinders University had also installed some.

In 2026, the University of Adelaide incorporated squat toilets, also known as Nile pans, into its design codes for new construction.

That history shows that university facilities can change when institutions recognise the needs of their communities. But squat toilets and bidets serve different purposes. The former address how people use the toilet; the latter provide a way to wash with water afterwards.

Australia’s 42 universities enrol students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and across the Middle East, as well as Australian students from communities where water-based cleansing is common. For many South Asian families, the lota—a small water vessel used for washing—is an ordinary household item.

Yet I am not aware of an Australian university campaign on the scale of the Canadian initiative to install bidets across campuses.

Universities invest heavily in promoting themselves as inclusive and internationally minded. But inclusion is experienced in everyday places, not just through brochures and orientation-week banners. A student should not have to choose between discomfort, carrying a bottle of water into a cubicle or going home to use facilities that meet their needs.

This does not mean every international student wants a bidet. It means universities should think of student need and provide reasonable options where demand exists.

Australian universities need not begin with an expensive, campus-wide rollout. Student associations could survey students, identify suitable locations and work with facilities teams to trial a small number of handheld sprayers in student centres or selected washrooms.

The trial could assess installation costs, maintenance, hygiene, plumbing requirements and student feedback before any wider expansion.

Simple, non-electric models may also help reduce toilet paper consumption, although the environmental benefits depend on how the devices are used.

Bidets will not solve the larger challenges international students face, including high living costs, housing pressures and visa uncertainty. But providing appropriate washroom facilities is a practical step towards making campuses more welcoming.

If universities are serious about inclusion, they should recognise that not all international students are familiar with Western-style toilets or accustomed to using toilet paper for personal hygiene. Rather than expecting every newly arrived student to adapt to existing facilities, universities should consider practical alternatives that accommodate different cultural practices. Sometimes, making campuses more welcoming begins with a small change in the bathroom.

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Canberra says it still wants international students. Its visa decisions tell families in Nepal, Bangladesh and India something else.

The Australian Government has maintained the national planning level for new overseas student commencements at 295,000 for 2026 and confirmed the same figure for 2027. Ministers continue to describe international education as one of the country’s most important industries, worth about AU$53.6 billion in 2024-25.

Yet more than half of Nepali student visa applications were refused in 2025-26. When the gap between the welcome and the refusal letter grows this wide, it stops being a series of individual decisions and becomes a policy problem in its own right.

The overall student visa refusal rate reached 24.2% in June 2026, up from 7.9% a decade earlier, according to Home Affairs figures reported by the ABC. For South Asia, the picture is far starker. ICEF Monitor reported that in February 2026, 65% of Nepali applicants seeking to study at Australian universities were refused, along with 51% of Bangladeshi applicants and 40% of Indian applicants, compared with about 3.5% of Chinese applicants.

Across the full 2025–26 financial year, more than 51% of Nepali and more than 40% of Indian student visa applications were refused, compared with 5.8% of Chinese applications. Home Affairs says it does not assess applications by nationality. However, from 8 January 2026, India joined Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan at Evidence Level 3, the highest evidence-documentation level, requiring applicants to provide more supporting material.

The Genuine Student requirement, which replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test in March 2024, was intended to simplify the assessment process. Applicants are asked about their circumstances, why they chose their course and provider, how the study will benefit their future, and any other relevant matters.

In practice, the assessment can involve considerable judgement. Refusal letters reviewed by the ABC cite statements that did not provide a sufficiently strong reason to study in Australia, or study plans that officers were “not satisfied” with. Migration agents describe the letters as vague and repetitive, arguing that outcomes can depend heavily on the officer assessing the application.

Financial capacity is another common reason for refusal. Applicants must demonstrate access to at least AU$29,710 for 12 months of living costs, in addition to tuition and travel expenses. Applicants subject to Evidence Level 3 requirements must also provide the specified supporting evidence to establish their financial capacity.

Families respond by over-preparing. Home Affairs offers a document checklist tool, but it tells applicants what types of evidence to provide, not precisely what will satisfy an assessing officer.

A typical application from Kathmandu, Dhaka or Hyderabad may include at least three months of bank statements, sponsors’ tax returns, payslips or business records, explanations for significant deposits, property valuations, loan sanction letters, relationship documents for sponsors, verified academic transcripts, English-language test results and explanations for study gaps.

Practitioners report that some applications contain more than 100 documents. Yet applicants may still receive refusals citing the Genuine Student requirement or financial capacity without clearly identifying which evidence was considered inadequate.

The financial consequences have also increased. Since 1 July 2026, the standard student visa application charge has risen from AU$2,000 to AU$2,500. The charge is generally non-refundable if an application is refused, adding to the costs of agent fees, months spent preparing an application and the consequences of a refusal on an applicant’s immigration record.

The government has not closed the door to South Asian students, nor has it reduced the national planning level. But higher refusal rates, more demanding evidence requirements, increased application fees and restrictions on including family members in new student visa applications all affect prospective students’ decisions.

When announcing the family-member restrictions, Immigration Minister Tony Burke cited figures showing that around 46,000 dependants had been granted visas alongside approximately 337,000 student visas in the previous financial year. The new rules, which took effect on 2 October, prevent most student visa applicants from including partners and dependent children, subject to specified exemptions.

Indian student visa applications had already fallen by 33% between 2023-24 and 2024-25, while Nepali applications declined by 10%. The latest data also points to a weakening pipeline of international students. Chinese applications for Australian higher education fell by 39% in February 2026 compared with February 2025.

The precise picture varies by market and measure, but the broader concern is clear: increasingly difficult visa outcomes can discourage prospective students even when Australia continues to promote itself as a study destination.

Burke told the National Press Club in September that the aim was for universities to sell “an education, not a migration outcome”. That is a fair principle, and genuine students should be prepared to demonstrate that study is their primary purpose.

What they should not have to navigate is a standard that remains unclear in practice.

If Australia wants to attract genuine students, it should explain its expectations more clearly. It should publish a standard Evidence Level 3 checklist setting out the financial and Genuine Student evidence applicants are expected to provide. It should issue more specific refusal reasons that identify the documents or claims considered inadequate, rather than relying on generic paragraphs. It should also publish refusal rates by country and education sector every quarter, allowing families and providers to understand the risks before paying application fees.

Finally, the government should consider a low-cost review or resubmission mechanism for cases where a refusal rests on missing or inadequate documentation rather than suspected fraud.

A clear rule that is difficult to meet can still be fair. An unclear rule, applied inconsistently or explained poorly, risks sending students to Germany, Japan and other destinations instead. Many may never reconsider Australia.

Contributing Author: Sagar Lohani is a Sydney-based educationist and experienced trainer with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry.

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According to a report by Awaaz, the 26-year-old woman appealed to New Zealand’s Immigration and Protection Tribunal after Immigration New Zealand declined her residence application in February 2025.

The couple married in an arranged marriage in India in February 2024 and moved to New Zealand together two months later.

Her husband was convicted of drink-driving in 2022 after being caught with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. He was fined NZ$800, disqualified from driving for 28 days and ordered to install an alcohol interlock.

The conviction made him liable for deportation, preventing him from supporting his wife’s residence application.

The woman argued that returning to India without her husband could expose her to family conflict, social rejection and pressure to remarry. Her husband also warned that separation could damage their marriage.

However, the tribunal found insufficient evidence to support her fears and noted that the separation might be temporary. His deportation liability had been suspended until March 2028, potentially allowing him to support a future residence application.

Tribunal member A M Clayton said the husband had received leniency and had to accept the consequences of his offending. The tribunal dismissed the appeal.

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The post Indian woman’s permanent residency bid rejected by immigration tribunal over husband’s drink-driving conviction first appeared on The Australia Today.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said Rashel Mirza and Mohammed Aminul Islam, both from Montréal, Md Mudassar Alam Bhuiyan, from Toronto, and Md Rakibul Hassan, from Bangladesh, appeared at the Valleyfield courthouse on 22 October 2026.

Hassan is reportedly in Bangladesh, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the country’s immigration system depended on integrity, fairness and respect for the law.

“Those who seek to exploit or undermine our system for fraudulent purposes face serious consequences,” he said, thanking CBSA employees for their work to protect the country’s borders.

The investigation identified 209 Bangladeshi nationals for whom 243 temporary resident visa (TRV) applications had been submitted.

The applications allegedly presented Canadian citizens as hosts and relied on fraudulent documents and false statements to support the applicants’ visits to Canada.

According to the CBSA, the investigation began after officers conducted a compliance and control operation at a private residence in Mercier, Quebec, on 3 July 2024, with representatives of the town’s police and fire departments. Suspected breaches of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act prompted a formal investigation the following month.

On 3 June 2025, investigators executed four search warrants across Quebec and Ontario. Documents and computer equipment gathered during the searches allegedly pointed to the involvement of five individuals in the scheme.

Given the scale of the alleged operation, investigators concentrated on 79 visa applications they considered the most probative.

The accused face three categories of charges relating to conspiracy to organise or facilitate entry into Canada, knowingly assisting or encouraging misrepresentation in immigration applications, and knowingly helping others contravene Canadian immigration law.

Eric Lapierre, the CBSA’s regional director general for Quebec, said the investigation demonstrated the agency’s determination to identify and disrupt networks seeking to exploit Canada’s immigration system.

The agency said it opened 191 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in 2025. Between 1 January and 30 June 2026, it opened a further 55 investigations into suspected offences under the legislation.

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The post Five Bangladeshi’s accused in immigration fraud involving 243 temporary resident visa applications first appeared on The Australia Today.

According to The Times of India, Damanjeet Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, alleged that his wife left for her parental home in Tilak Nagar, west Delhi, on 8 June with their son, saying they would return within a few days.

He claimed she subsequently extended her stay, stopped responding to him and eventually blocked his phone number and social media accounts.

When Singh visited her home, he reportedly discovered that tenants were living there. He alleged that his wife, her father and their son had travelled to Australia.

Singh further alleged that his passport had been stolen and his signature forged on documents connected with the child’s Australian visa application.

“She snatched my right as a father, and I yearn for my child,” he said in his complaint, according to the report.

As per the TOI report, an FIR has been registered under provisions of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to forgery, kidnapping and the forgery and use of documents or electronic records as genuine.

The allegations have not been proven in court. The ToI report did not include a response from the wife.

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The post Indian businessman alleges wife forged signature, took two-year-old son to Australia without consent first appeared on The Australia Today.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) National Manager Risk and Verification Aaron Smith said the decision removed uncertainty about whether New Zealand employment law applied to payments made outside the country for jobs within its borders.

The ruling concerns the Wages Protection Act 1983, which prohibits employers and people acting on their behalf from seeking or receiving a premium in exchange for employment.

The Court clarified that the location of a transaction does not determine whether the prohibition applies. The ban can also cover payments made by family members, friends or others on behalf of prospective employees, as well as money collected by intermediaries acting for employers.

“The Court’s decision provides a legal tool to help combat this exploitation,” Smith said.

He said migrants paying significant sums in exchange for promises of jobs and residency in New Zealand remained a recurring and widespread form of exploitation.

“It makes it clear no matter where the worker is, how much is paid, and regardless of who, that it is illegal to charge a fee for a job in New Zealand,” Smith said.

“If you are being charged for a job, then your employer (and those working on their behalf) is committing an illegal act.”

Smith encouraged anyone who believed they had been misled or pressured into paying for job offers or visa support to contact Immigration New Zealand.

“Every piece of information helps us prevent others from being exploited,” he said.

While INZ cannot recover premiums paid by migrants in job scams, it has several options for holding New Zealand employers accountable if they, or people acting on their behalf, are found to have charged workers for employment.

Smith also urged employers and those involved in migrant recruitment to ensure their practices were transparent, complied with New Zealand employment standards and did not require migrants to pay to secure jobs.

This includes monitoring offshore recruitment arrangements and the activities of third parties involved in hiring migrant workers.

“If you break the law, misuse your position, or take advantage of migrants for financial gain, including through making false job offers, there will be consequences,” he said.

The Employment Court’s decision arose from two proceedings involving a Labour Inspector and claims concerning migrant workers. The Court considered whether the legal prohibition on charging employment premiums applied to transactions conducted overseas for jobs in New Zealand.

The clarification reinforces that employers cannot avoid the law simply by arranging for payments to be made outside New Zealand.

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Jasmine Gill, 30, was last seen at her Sacramento home on September 30 and was reported missing by her cousin on October 4.

As per Daily Mail, her husband, Gurinder Singh Gill, 28, allegedly told authorities that ICE agents had taken Jasmine into custody while she was checking the mail, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said.

However, investigators contacted the federal agency and were told that no enforcement activity had taken place at the couple’s home.

Detectives investigating Jasmine’s disappearance also learned that the couple were going through a divorce and were involved in a child custody dispute.

Authorities said Gurinder’s statements about her disappearance contained several inconsistencies.

Burned human remains discovered in El Dorado County on October 1 were later identified as Jasmine’s, according to the sheriff’s office.

Gurinder was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on murder charges. According to the Daily Mail, Sheriff’s office records indicated he was ineligible for bail.

No defence lawyer was listed for Gurinder in the court records reviewed by the publication. The charges against him have not been proven in court.

Jasmine’s death has left her family grieving while they face the financial and legal challenges of arranging her final rites and securing the future of her infant son.

A GoFundMe fundraiser organised by family member Daman Gill described Jasmine as a daughter, sister, registered nurse and devoted mother who had been working towards a safer future for herself and her baby.

The fundraiser said Jasmine followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Her mother had raised Jasmine and her brother as a single parent while working full-time as a nurse in India.

“Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of her story is that she was fighting for a better future for herself and her baby,” the fundraiser said.

It added that Jasmine had been seeking a divorce and hoped to find “the freedom, safety, and fresh start they both deserved”.

“Tragically, before she could build that future, Jasmine was murdered, leaving behind the very child she was fighting so hard to protect,” the fundraiser said.

The family is seeking donations to help bring Jasmine’s body to India for her final rites and to support her grieving mother and baby boy.

Funds will also help cover funeral expenses, the child’s care and wellbeing, and potential legal costs relating to his custody and welfare.

The fundraiser said any donations exceeding immediate expenses or its target would go towards supporting Jasmine’s son and mother.

Earlier, it was reported in local media that a missing-persons poster said Jasmine had last been seen near Headstock Street and Allegretto Way in Sacramento County.

She was described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 137 pounds, and was reportedly wearing white pyjamas with red polka dots.

The poster warned that new information suggested her safety might be at risk.

Authorities subsequently identified the burned remains found in El Dorado County as Jasmine’s and arrested her husband in connection with her death.

As the criminal proceedings continue, her family is also seeking legal assistance concerning the welfare and custody of her eight-month-old son.

The case has devastated a family that says Jasmine was working towards a better future for herself and her child.

“We cannot bring Jasmine back,” the fundraiser said.

“But we can come together to help bring her home, ease the financial burden on her loved ones, support her baby, and help her family pursue justice.”

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Her comments come as violent protests in France have led to mass arrests, clashes with police, looting and fires, amid demonstrations over the cost of living, public services and student grievances.

“Australia cannot afford to repeat the mistake of mass migration which is tearing apart Europe,” Hanson said.

“Countries like France, Germany, Belgium and the U.K. are all suffering because of mass migration. Unless Australia stops importing people who reject our democracy, our way of life and the values of Western civilisation, these riots will eventually be coming to Australian cities.”

France experienced widespread unrest on Saturday, 17 October, with authorities reporting hundreds of thousands of people taking part in demonstrations across the country.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez estimated that around 550,000 people participated, while the CGT union put the figure at 800,000.

Although many demonstrations were peaceful, violent groups clashed with police, looted shops and set fire to vehicles and buildings. At least 1,200 people were reportedly arrested.

In Paris, police used tear gas as protesters threw stones and other objects at officers. More than 150 police officers were injured, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

Historic buildings were also damaged by fires. In Limoges, a blaze destroyed much of a 143-year-old town hall, while Lyon’s tourism office, a 174-year-old building, was also set alight.

Local prefect Maurice Barate described the fire at the Limoges town hall as a “catastrophe for heritage”, blaming what he called a deliberate act by hooligans.

The protests began last month around high schools in working-class areas of northern Paris, where concerns about teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities developed into a broader movement over inequality, public spending and living standards.

Demonstrators have also raised concerns about high fuel prices, the cost of living and police conduct.

A 19-year-old protester in Paris said people were demonstrating because of rising living costs and inadequate school resources.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and vowed to prosecute those responsible for attacks on people and public institutions.

“We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who only seek to undermine our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so.”

Condemning the violence, he vowed to prosecute those responsible for attacks on public buildings and businesses. He expressed support for police and defended the right to peaceful protest, saying: “No room for violence in our Republic.”

Macron added that France would stand united against those seeking to undermine its institutions and disrupt peaceful demonstrations.

Violent incidents were also reported in Italy’s Milan and Bologna.

In Milan, masked protesters threw stones and other objects at police, set fire to barricades and damaged a police vehicle. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. She praised those who protested peacefully but condemned violence and vandalism during demonstrations across Italy, including clashes with police in Milan, arrests in Turin and disruption in Bologna. She called on opposition parties to unequivocally condemn the violence, saying:

“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”

In Belgium, several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels, with some clashes reported between demonstrators and police. Student groups have raised concerns about education costs and reforms.

Meanwhile, protests in Portugal have focused on housing affordability and rising living costs, while student demonstrations continued in Albania.

Hanson has pointed to the unrest as a warning for Australia, arguing that immigration policy must prioritise people who accept the country’s democratic institutions and values.

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In a Facebook post on 5 October, Brown declared that New Zealand had a “mass migration issue” and accused successive Labour and National governments of using immigration to cover up poor economic performance.

“We’ve got nearly 60,000 Indians coming in every year,” Brown wrote, accompanying his post with a graphic claiming there were nearly 60,000 Indian migrant arrivals in one year.

Brown said New Zealand First would “substantially reduce non-essential immigration”, prioritise local workers and hold a referendum on capping resident visas at 20,000 annually.

He also criticised the employment of migrants in occupations such as ride-share driving, pizza-making and vape shop retail.

“Immigration should serve New Zealand — not replace New Zealand workers,” he added in a comment.

Brown defended his position as part of what he described as a necessary public debate about immigration, saying he would continue raising the issue despite accusations of racism or xenophobia.

His comments come amid continuing political debate in New Zealand over immigration levels, employment opportunities and the impact of migration on the economy.

However, the figure Brown cited has drawn scrutiny from experts because it combines visa approvals across different categories rather than measuring the number of people who actually arrived in the country.

The 60,000 figure was based on data from Figure.NZ showing that 53,109 Indian citizens were granted work, student and residence visas in 2025. As per AAP, these categories can overlap, meaning the same person may be counted more than once.

Stats NZ figures show that 16,800 Indian citizens arrived in New Zealand in the year to July 2026, while 5,300 departed. This resulted in a net migration gain of 11,500.

Annual data shows Indian migrant arrivals averaged approximately 12,530 between 2002 and 2026, measured from August to July.

Arrivals peaked in the year to July 2024, following the easing of COVID-19 border restrictions. During that period, 37,611 Indian citizens arrived and 3,965 departed, resulting in a net gain of 33,646.

The figures for the year to July 2026 remain provisional, with final migration estimates released later under Stats NZ’s 12-month-in-16-months rule.

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The post Candidate’s “60,000 Indians a year” claim under fire as migration figures tell a different story first appeared on The Australia Today.

The Durgotsav 2026 celebrations will run from 16 to 21 October at Epping Soccer Stadium, Harvest Home Road, Epping, bringing together traditional Hindu rituals, cultural performances, children’s activities, Garba and community meals.

Sharit Charitable Foundation says its 2025 celebration created a milestone for Melbourne’s Hindu community by holding Durga Puja on the original auspicious dates in accordance with the traditional Hindu calendar.

The organisation is continuing that approach in 2026, with ceremonies scheduled across the six days from Sasthi through to Dashami.

Durga Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, particularly for Bengali communities, and honours Goddess Durga as a representation of strength, courage and divine feminine power.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is marked by elaborate worship, community gatherings, cultural performances, music, food and the immersion of the Goddess at the conclusion of festivities.

For many Indian-Australian families, the Melbourne celebration also provides an opportunity to recreate traditions they grew up with while introducing younger generations to their cultural heritage.

The festival begins on Friday, 16 October, with preparations, worship and Bodhon and Adibash ceremonies.

Saturday’s program includes the installation of the traditional Nabapatrika, Saptami Puja and Anjali, followed by an evening cultural program featuring a grand opening with Marathi Mandal Dhol, ceremonial lamp lighting, devotional music, Bhangra, dance drama and musical performances.

Sunday will feature Saptami rituals from early morning, along with a Sit and Draw activity at 11 am. The evening program includes children’s drama, musical performances and dance.

The Astami celebrations on Monday will begin before dawn, with Astami Puja, Anjali, Sandhi Puja and traditional offerings forming part of the religious program.

The cultural celebrations will continue in the evening with piano performances, fancy dress, karaoke and a Dhunuchi Dance competition, one of the most recognisable traditions associated with Durga Puja.

Tuesday, 20 October, will mark Navami, with worship beginning in the morning before Anjali and the traditional Kumari Puja, in which the divine feminine is symbolically worshipped through a young girl.

The festival will take on an additional celebratory atmosphere that evening with a Kids Got Talent program from 6 pm followed by Garba celebrations from 7 pm.

Sharit Charitable Foundation is inviting children from across the community to participate in the talent show, with entries open across age groups.

The Garba night is also being promoted as a free community event, encouraging families and friends to attend in traditional dress and join an evening of live music, dance and celebration.

The final day, Wednesday, 21 October, will include the immersion rituals, Thakur Boron and Sindoor Khela, followed by a procession and Prasad distribution.

Sindoor Khela, traditionally observed on the final day of Durga Puja, sees married women offer vermilion to Goddess Durga before applying it to one another as part of the farewell celebrations.

Last year’s Melbourne event also featured Dhunuchi Naach, Sindoor Khela and a Visarjan procession through the streets of Epping, with organisers saying the celebration recreated some of the sights, sounds and emotions associated with Durga Puja in India.

For Sharit Charitable Foundation, however, organisers say the festival is intended to be more than a religious gathering.

The organisation describes its mission as “promoting cultural harmony while empowering and nourishing those in need”, and has framed Durgotsav around four themes — faith, culture, community and togetherness.

The inaugural celebration attracted people from different Indian cultural backgrounds and gave families an opportunity to participate in prayer, performances, Bhog distribution and community activities.

Organisers say the 2026 festival will build on that experience while opening the celebration to Melbourne’s broader multicultural community.

Australia’s growing Indian diaspora has seen festivals including Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi become increasingly visible across Melbourne.

For first-generation migrants, such celebrations can provide a connection with traditions and memories from India, while for Australian-born children they offer a chance to experience rituals and cultural practices that might otherwise only be encountered during overseas visits.

The return of Durgotsav to Epping also reflects the growing Hindu and Indian-Australian population across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, where community organisations have increasingly established major cultural events.

Sharit Charitable Foundation says everyone is welcome to attend.

With traditional Puja ceremonies beginning in the early hours on some days and cultural programs continuing into the evening, organisers are hoping the six-day celebration will once again transform Epping into a small piece of the vibrant Durga Puja atmosphere experienced across India.

Durgotsav 2026 will run from 16–21 October at Epping Soccer Stadium, Harvest Home Road, Epping. Entry to the community celebrations is free. For enquiries and Kids Got Talent entries, contact 0467 633 155.

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The post Sharit Charitable Foundation brings six-day Durga Puja celebration back to Melbourne’s north first appeared on The Australia Today.

In a social media post, Repacholi described the stickers as “disgusting racist” material and called on residents to report their locations so they could be removed.

“Enough of this racist bullshit,” he wrote.

“The cowards spreading this rubbish don’t represent our community.”

The latest stickers reportedly depicts a man of Indian appearance defecating on a street, alongside the message:

“If this is you culture? We don’t like it”.

It also states that “32% of Australia’s population is foreign born”, claims India is “at the top of that list” and calls for:

“REMIGRATION NOW!”

Repacholi said racism had no place in Cessnock or the wider Hunter Region.

“Racism isn’t welcome in Cessnock. It isn’t welcome in the Hunter. And it won’t go unchallenged,” he said.

“We’re better and stronger than the hate and division these people are trying to spread.”

He urged residents who had seen the stickers to tell him where they were located so the material could be reported and removed.

“Don’t give these cowards any more publicity than they deserve,” he added.

The latest incident follows a similar controversy in July, when racist leaflets targeting Indian migrants and promoting anti-immigration messages were reportedly distributed in letterboxes across Kurri Kurri, also in the Hunter Region.

The leaflets urged residents to “keep curry” out of the town and promoted concepts including “remigration” and the preservation of culture.

Repacholi condemned that material at the time, warning that racist leaflets had been distributed across the community and saying local doctors had already faced racist comments and abuse.

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The post Racist stickers targeting Indian migrants surface again in Australia’s Hunter Region first appeared on The Australia Today.