Hi,

My wife's long distance relative is studying in Australia. It is a requirement to provide proof that any person coming to Australia is able to support themselves financially.

As the relative has very limited financial capacity, my mother in-law issued a letter stating that she will and has the capacity to provide financial support while the relative is in Australia. My mother in-law is not an Australian citizen / permanent resident. She also lives overseas (not in Australia). I and my wife were also willing to let the relative to stay at our place and provide her with food, shelter, etc. We also made sure that she is alright while she is in Australia.

Recently, my wife's relative moved out suddenly without informing us. We came home to find that her room was already empty. Her stuff has gone. We could not get into contact with her. We've contacted the police to locate her and to ensure that she is safe and well. The police only says that the relative is old enough to make up her mind. Hence, there is no way for us to stop her from moving. In other words, she is capable of take responsibility of her own actions.

We fear that my wife's relative is working illegally or planning to do something illegal in Australia. Hence, my mother in-law decided to withdraw the financial support. We already informed the school as they are the one who issued the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) for visa application. However, the school is not able to cancel the CoE unless my wife's relative does not turn up for classes and enrolment

We're just wondering, is my mother in-law still financially liable if the student (my wife's relative) is committing a crime (which costing money) after her visa expires? After all, the letter of guarantee was issued only in relation to my relative studying in Australia.

If my mother in-law is still financial liable and the relative owes a large amount of money, how would DIMIA/Australia/instutions in Australia recover the money from my mother in-law (should the relative is unable to pay)? As outlined above, my in-law is not Australian citizen nor she is a permanent resident. She also lives overseas (not in Australia).

Is there any implication on us (who provide shelter and food) if the relative commits crime? We have reported to the police that the student went missing. The police responded that the student is old enough to take responsibility of her own actions.

Thank you and we look forward from you all.