Two million Ukrainians left the country in the last 12 days. Displaced, scared, and in desperate need of support, these people seek asylum worldwide, including Australia.

The Australian Immigration Department has significantly eased applying for tourist visas for Ukrainians and thousands of people are starting to arrive in the country where they are met by volunteers willing to share everything they have with people they've never met.

However, tourist visas do not grant a right to work, medical care or education, and to help Ukrainian displaced people, we are pleading for urgent support from the Australian Federal Government to allow them to work, study and have access to medical care on compassionate, humanitarian grounds. We ask for those who suffered so much and lost everything they had.

These people need equal opportunities to start a new life here, and they will do all they can to give back to their new home. Following the extensive employment crisis in Australia due to the impact of COVID-19, we believe that Ukrainian displaced people will be able to assist struggling industries such as hospitality, farming, nursing, aged care and many others while rebuilding their life in Australia.

Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country with a huge heart. Please sign this petition and say yes to choosing life and giving hope to people who need it most.

Sarah Bendetsky

CEO Souper Kitchen charity