Refugee protests build momentum as people demand an end to life in limbo

MEDIA RELEASE:

Refugee-led protests are building momentum with new sites starting up in Adelaide and Brisbane this week, as people forced to live in limbo for over a decade demand a pathway to permanency from the Albanese Government. 

This morning at Parliament House in Canberra, Melbourne protest leader Abbas Ghezzy will address Parliamentarians – including members of the Crossbench – on behalf of the men, women and children who’ve now spent 37 days sleeping outside MP’s offices and the Department of Home Affairs in Melbourne.

They’ve been joined in solidarity by protestors in Sydney who have spent 15 days camped outside the Punchbowl office of the new Minister for Immigration and Home Affairs, the Hon. Tony Burke MP. The protestors hope their 24-7 vigils will highlight the plight of approximately 8,500* people still on temporary visas after a decade or more of life in Australia.

Like many of those protesting, Abbas fled to safety in Australia with his family when he was still a minor.  Now 26 years of age and desperate to build a secure future here, Abbas will share with Federal MPs the distress and destitution facing people on temporary visas who are separated from family and often denied the right to work, study and access Medicare. 

The 8,500 people left to languish by successive governments were failed by Australia’s now defunct ‘Fast Track’ process that was established by the Abbott Government to assess protection claims for people who sought asylum by sea after August 2012.

The Fast Track process failed people on many levels by producing unfair and legally incorrect decisions, separating families, causing years of delays, and forcing people back to countries where they faced risk of serious harm and persecution.

In February 2023, the Albanese Government announced a pathway to permanent residency for temporary protection visa holders (many of whom had been subjected to the Fast Track process). However, the Government’s announcement excluded Abbas and approximately 8,500 people seeking asylum, who have lived in Australia for over 10 years and been exposed to the unfair Fast Track process.

*The 8500 figure includes approximately 1,200 people who still do not have DHA decisions on their initial protection visa applications made over 10 years ago. The remaining people are going through review processes or have no options remaining

Quotes attributable to:

Abbas Ghezzy, Melbourne activist who fled Iran in 2013 aged 14 
“Australia is my home. I have grown up here. All I want is the right like everyone to live an ordinary life, to work hard and build a family here. But I can’t while politicians keep using us as scapegoats and while the system fails us. It’s time the Government finally listens to us, and recognises that our home is here.”

Rathy Barthlote, Melbourne activist who fled Sri Lanka in 2013
“I am worried about my kids’ future. They only know this country. My kids have grown up in Australia. 

“We have worked and paid taxes and contributed extensively to the Australian community. I wish to be heard and for a permanent solution to be given to us.”

Jana Favero, ASRC’s Head of Systemic Change
“The Albanese Government has recognised Fast Track is a flawed process by abolishing the Immigration Assessment Authority and offering permanency to 19,000 people. It makes no sense to turn its back on others failed by the process and to uphold those flawed decisions.

“After almost 12 years, a swift pathway to permanent residency is the only humane response for people seeking asylum who were victims of an inherently unfair process.”

Renuga Inpakumar, Sydney activist and NSW Coordinator of Tamil Refugee Council
“For well over a decade, refugees in Australia have lived in a state of uncertainty that has severely impacted their lives and mental health. This prolonged limbo is inhumane and unacceptable. Refugees deserve the right to live with dignity and security, like any other human being. It’s time to grant them permanent visas so they can finally start living their lives with the stability they deserve.”

Parisa Ramak, Melbourne activist who fled Iran in 2013 when her son was 2 years old
“Despite our efforts to settle into the Australian community, the ongoing uncertainty about our visa status continues to affect our ability to fully plan for our families and our children’s future. 

“We are deeply grateful for the support and opportunities we have received from the Australian community. We hope for a resolution that will allow us to contribute to this country with both stability and hope.”

Narges Shaterian, Melbourne activist who fled Iran in 2013 
“My youngest child, who was only 8 years old when we arrived, has graduated from high school and went on to university, but wasn’t able to pay international fees so he was forced to leave and is now a real estate manager.

“I want to emphasise that refugees like us are simply seeking a safe place to develop our abilities and contribute to the Australian community.”

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