Refugee delegation failed by Fast Track calls on Federal MPs for an end to visa limbo and permanency now

MEDIA RELEASE:

A delegation of refugees failed by the unfair and flawed Fast Track system arrive in Canberra today to meet with Federal MPs and urge the Government to finally grant them permanent visas after more than 12 years of limbo and uncertainty.

Delegates Elnaz, Milad and Sowriya represent Afghanistan, Iranian, and Tamil communities and are part of the 24-7 refugee protest movement which has now been running for 86 days nationwide. The protest encampments, in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane, are calling for an end to 12 years of family separation and fear of deportation for approximately 8,500* people failed by Fast Track and still waiting for a resolution.

The Fast Track policy, introduced by the Abbott Government in 2014, was intended to streamline the processing of protection claims, but it instead produced unfair and legally incorrect decisions, caused extended delays, re-traumatised people and resulted in refugees being deported to countries where they face persecution and risk of serious harm.

The failures of Fast Track have had devastating consequences on the delegates and thousands in communities across Australia, with many separated from loved ones and struggling to survive with limited and arbitrary access to work rights, study rights and healthcare.

Despite Labor’s long-standing opposition to the Fast Track process, including voting against the legislation in 2014 and abolishing the system recently, no commitment has been made to rectify the harm caused to the 8500 people and families remaining in limbo and subjected to a clearly failed system.

*The 8,500 figure includes approximately 1,200 people who still do not have Department of Home Affairs decisions on their initial protection visa applications. The remaining people are going through review processes or have no options remaining.

Read ASRC’s briefing on the Fast Track process for more information

Quotes attributable to:

Jana Favero, ASRC’s Head of Systemic Change
“The Fast Track policy has not just failed to ensure a timely and fair process; it has inflicted profound and lasting harm on people in need of protection and safety. The ALP were clear in their opposition to the legislation that enabled Fast Track. A decade on, they need to stand by and honour that opposition by providing a pathway to permanency for those who have been failed by the flawed process. It’s time for swift and compassionate action to finally give people permanency and the chance to rebuild their lives with certainty.’’

Elnaz, Representative of the Afghanistan community and Melbourne encampments
“If it’s a matter of punishing us, we have already been punished by being in limbo for more than 12 years. As a Hazara woman with a PhD in cancer research, Australia is the only place where I can contribute meaningfully. I cannot return to my country, but here I can make a difference by supporting Australian cancer patients. Due to the Fast Track process, we have been unfairly discriminated against. I ask for an end to this limbo so we can contribute fully and give back to this country.”

Milad Makvandi, Representative of the Iranian community and Sydney encampments
“As a refugee and human rights advocate I left Iran in 2012 seeking a safe and healthy life, free from stress and anxiety. I crossed the deepest and largest ocean in the world, not for material gains, but to achieve a future that is bright, secure, and free from fear and persecution. Australia is now my home, and I contribute to this society just like any Australian citizen.

“I am a qualified truck mechanic and have obtained my professional certification here in Australia. However, my current visa status has left my future uncertain, and my life is filled with anxiety  –  the fear of being sent back to a land that, for me, is nothing short of a prison and a death. As a refugee, I kindly urge the Australian government to address this issue and help free us from this painful state of limbo.”

Sowriya Vishnuvarman, Representative of  the Tamil community and Sydney encampments
“By stripping away the basic things that every person needs, this Government is making it really difficult for us to be independent and to take care of ourselves. Refugee youths are suffering as they are unable to continue their education. Many refugees have been deeply affected by living with such conditions for over a decade.”

Sarah Dale, Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) Principal Solicitor and Centre Director
“At RACS we have been in contact with hundreds of people affected by Fast Track without a real pathway to redress this system’s failings. This Government has made tangible, real progress for so many. We need the leadership, compassion and commitment to fulfil what has been pledged over the years. Fast Track failed so many, it’s time we stopped failing this community any further with inaction.”

 

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