Ukrainian refugees are reportedly being kept in the dark on when the federal government will upgrade their visas. 

A number of refugees who have fled to Australian shores have arrived on 12-month visitor visas.

Iryna and her nine-month-old son Maxim, who have resettled on the Gold Coast with her sister’s family, are still waiting to receive humanitarian visas.

Her brother-in-law, Jason Marrable, told Neil Breen an upgraded visa is desperately needed amid concerns the war will continue for years.

“That will give them access to Medicare and jobs and more importantly, childcare,” he said.

“The majority of Ukrainians who have come to Australia since the war started … are mothers and children.

“They really, really need support so we haven’t got kind of a bit of a steer yet from the government on when that process will happen.”

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Image: Supplied