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| Do your research
for O/S post By FLTLT Sonia King Volume 49, No. 5, April 05, 2007 |
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Before submitting an expression of interest for an overseas post, personnel are encouraged to gain as much knowledge about the region and country they wish to be posted to. One obstacle to overseas postings is that many countries don’t recognise interdependent relationships. This particularly impacts on personnel posted to the United Kingdom and the United States, as these governments don’t recognise this type of relationship and, as a consequence, the partner who accompanies the posted member will not receive the same visa status as a married partner. The fact that you have been recognised as living in an interdependent relationship by the ADF may not be sufficient for you to obtain UK and US visas. In the US, this means the partner cannot obtain a work permit, a social security number or any other official documentation a married partner would automatically be entitled to. The UK immigration’s stance on interdependent relationships is that “British immigration authorities will not recognise interdependent relationships for members traveling on an official ‘unattached’ posting. Therefore, the British High Commission will not issue accompanying visas for interdependent spouses of these members. These interdependent spouses will only be permitted to accompany the member for the entire length of the posting if they are entitled to British ‘Right of Abode’.” There are many overseas postings that are considered ‘unattached’. It is an individual responsibility for those members who are selected for overseas postings to be fully versed on the recognition of interdependent relationships for their destination country and how it will affect their personal circumstances. Personnel managers can provide further guidance on this issue. While there are currently several non-married partners in overseas countries who have been granted visas, these visas have been granted for reasons other than the fact the partner is accompanying a member and must not be considered a precedent. Each individual case must be considered separately. Although visa briefings from the Overseas Administration Centre (OAC) and Passports & Visas occur before the posted member’s departure, it is often too far down the track for the member to make alternative visa arrangements or arrangements for an unaccompanied posting. Personnel are also encouraged to investigate the financial implications of accepting an overseas posting. - OAC has a website that is essential viewing for all personnel who are posted or pursuing a posting overseas. Visit www.defence.gov.au/adfpcc/OAC/Pages/welcome.cfm - For personnel posted to the US, visit the ‘G’Day to USA’ guide issued by the Australian Embassy in Washington on www.adsusa.org/quick.asp Information on other countries is available through OAC. |
