It took a few years and a lot of hard work for Galang Migrant Workers Union but finally, the Legaspi family are now permanent residents of Australia. Union president Neil Galang was able to obtain on their behalf the valuable ministerial intervention that allowed them to stay permanently.
A holder of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ateneo de Davao, Rafael Legaspi brought his family to Australia in 2006 on the strength of a 457 visa.
Unfortunately, the company that sponsored his work visa ceased operating in January 2011. Consequently, Rafael lost his job and his entire family faced deportation.
But the situation was rather complicated. His wife Russell was very much concerned about their future because they didn’t have any more home to return to in the Philippines. All their four children, Ralph, Rikka, Regine, and Reene, have settled well in Kogarah NSW where all family members were involved in a church choir.
In the past, Galang has been instrumental in obtaining permanent residency for Mario Villarosa and his family. Prior to helping the Legaspi family, Galang also helped Liezle and Michael Antonio get settled in Sydney. Liezle is a registered nurse who graduated from the Australian Catholic University. She is now gainfully employed and practising her profession in a nursing home.