We moved from UK to Brisbane in 2006, as permanent residents. We transferred our UK pensions to Australian superannuation funds, as we thought we'd be here into retirement. However, we're now planning to return to England next year, and have just found out that Australian superannuation funds cannot be taken out of Australia and have to remain here until we can claim at retirement age. Has anyone else come up against this problem? Any advice/tips about how to make the best of this situation?
Julie

Nope, unfortunately I think that is right. If you have permanent residency they assume that you may come back and would need to have your super to support yourself in your old age. I guess the only thing is not to forget that you have it and make sure that the super fund always has your current address.

This from the ATO site

Is this initiative only available to departing temporary residents?

Yes. The measure applies to temporary residents who have left Australia permanently, and who will not retire here or have access to the age pension.

This initiative is not intended to apply to permanent residents of Australia or other individuals who have an option of retiring in Australia and accessing the age pension (for example, New Zealand citizens). Australian citizens, permanent residents and some other individuals who retain these rights, are subject to normal superannuation provisions.

Then I guess you pray that when you need to access it, the dollar is worth more than a few pence!!!

Yeah that nob who can't cook a sausage or surf has a lot answer for

I thought the same but recently TraceyW's husband has transferred his back. PM TraceyW for advice on how they did it.

This is the phrase that really interests me. As a PR holder, but not a citizen, I go back to the UK and my Visa expires, i.e. the 5 year limit runs out and I have no claim for a RRV, surely then I have not right of access back into Australia (to live); therefore I am able to then claim back my super contributions

I tried the link that Tracy sent me, but website doesn't seem to exist.....

sorry but i think this is right, one of the few advantages of NOT being p.r or citizen is you can move your superann if your on a temp visa e.g 457'rs can move theirs, thankfully i got advice about pension on here (from jaj), before leaving the u.k and decided to leave my superann in the u.k , i am so unsettled i am soooooo glad i did.,


ask for more advice and help on the immigration part of the forum.

Hi
Thanks for the info - who is Tracey W and how can I contact her?
Julie

Hi Margaret
That's what I can't understand either, permanent residence is only really permanent residence if you don't leave Australia. Once you leave, and don't have a returning resident visa, you can't return as a permanent resident, but the ATO doesn't seem to know this as they treat it as though you can return at any point and claim an Aussie pension.
Julie

again, try the immigration part of the forum, there are agents and knowledgable mods hanging around in there with concrete advice and facts

good point julie

Totally agree. The act of a lunatic government, it's a shocking way to treat people that's for sure. That's what we get for living in a country full of robbers I guess.

I always think about this issue when that knob on the TV advert drones on encouraging us poms to transfer our UK pensions to Aus, and oh how simple it is.
Well, i'd like to shove that BBQ sausge up his backside and make a disclaimer at the bottom of the screen telling the real truth.

Traceys husband actually did it recently so I would say that was pretty factual.

To OP, click here http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=17445 and then click on send private message.

Hope you find out what you need to know.

gawwwwwwwd that guy, he must be the most hated pom in aus

(a) the adverts are crap

(b) he comes across as a tosser ohhhh and

(c) he comes across as a tosser

Thanks Margaret, so its not just my bad mood then, he IS a tosser!