RACS Celebrates The News That Temporary Protection Visa Holders Will Be Granted A Permanent Stay In Australia
The Australian Government has announced that people seeking safety in Australia eligible to hold, or holding a temporary protection visa will now have a pathway to permanency in Australia through the grant of a Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851).
The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) is relieved at the life-changing implication of this much-awaited news for more than 19,000 people who, despite being found to be refugees, have been living in limbo for a decade on either a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV). RACS assists thousands of people each year seeking asylum in Australia, including providing a dedicated service to those whose only option was to apply for a TPV or SHEV.
“For the 10 years that I have worked in this space, I have never been able to experience a positive change that is as momentous and impactful for so many people as this conversion of temporary protection visas to permanent protection. We are grateful to the Albanese Government for leading with this restoration of dignity.” Sarah Dale, RACS Centre Director and Principal Solicitor says.
Hani Abdile, writer, journalism student and RACS ambassador, was only 16 years old when she was forced to flee Somalia in search of safety in. After 11 months in a detention centre, RACS was able to help Hani obtain a temporary protection visa and subsequent renewal of that visas throughout that process for the past eight years.
"Australia has become my second home that is far from home. It's the beauty of my fellow humans that live on the streets that I walk and where I work, who have shown me that Australia is fair and enough for all of us to live together with hope. Australia is where we actively defend those that are an unfortunate," Abdile says.
"I always dream that a day will come when I will be able to give back what all my friends and their friends and their family gave to me when I needed a vision of hope and kindness the most," Abdile adds.
Mohammad Sakhvidi, civil engineer and RACS ambassador, was also 16 when he arrived in Australia from Iran after it became unsafe for him to live there.
Sakhvidi says: “Permanent residency marks a triumph of resilience, determination, and hope for asylum seekers in Australia and beyond.”
RACS is relieved for our community who now have a pathway to call Australia their permanent home. RACS will continue to advocate for and with people seeking asylum and refugees, calling on legislative change to abolish unfair and inhumane policies, acknowledging that many communities seeking asylum are not included in this announcement, such as those impacted by Offshore Processing with transitory status in Australia.
“We saw many people refused under this flawed and arbitrary system called Fast Track, people that are in absolute need of protection; Hazara’s from Afghanistan, Tamils from Sri Lanka, women from Iran – it would seem they are left to navigate the existing legal system as it stands as there is no immediate change announced for them. RACS will stand ready to assist them at this time.” Dale says.
“We will continue to advocate for all people who arrived in Australia needing protection to have access to a safe and permanent place to call home. Today we celebrate that day has arrived for more than 19,000 people.” Dale adds.
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Sarah Dale, Centre Director & Principal Solicitor is available for further comment 0413 812 267