Immigration officers will visit Griffith in south-west NSW on 28 January to provide immigration information to people who have overstayed their visas.

A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) said the Community Status Resolution Service (CSRS) outreach programme enables people in regional communities, who do not have a valid Australian visa or are on a bridging visa, to talk with immigration officers about specific issues they might be facing.

“The Department is committed to ensuring the integrity of Australia’s migration and visa programmes,” the spokesperson said.

“People must have a valid visa to remain in Australia and this is an opportunity for people to get their visa status in order before they are detected in a compliance operation.”

Unlawful non-citizens can be detained pending their removal from Australia and then face a three-year exclusion period from visiting Australia again.

“In addition to providing information, DIBP staff will, where appropriate, be able to grant a short-term bridging visa to people while they work through their immigration matter,” the spokesperson said.

Individual appointments with the CSRS will be available at Griffith Library.

233-237 Banna Avenue in Griffith from 9:30am-7:00pm on Thursday 28 January.

To book an appointment, phone the CSRS on 02 6195 6146 or email status.resolution.actro@border.gov.au. Walk-ins are also welcome.