Overnight protection for some, eight-year waits for others – the Iranian refugees the Government has left behind

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 24th March

Iranian refugees have this morning joined crossbench MPs and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre at Parliament House, calling on the Albanese Government to finally grant them and their families permanent protection after more than eight years living in the Australian community. Having seen the swift protection the Albanese Government provided to the Iranian women’s football team, the group are calling for the same compassion.

Many of them arrived in Australia as children more than 14 years ago, before being forcibly sent to Nauru, where they were detained for years and subjected to serious abuse, trauma and medical neglect. They have been recognised as refugees, cannot return to Iran and have nowhere else to go.

Between 2015 and 2018, many of the group were evacuated to Australia for urgent medical care, but have been left on short-term bridging visas ever since, forced to reapply every six months with no certainty about their future.

In the face of everything they have endured, they have rebuilt their lives here, working, running businesses and raising families. Many now have Australian-born children, deep ties to their communities, or were so young when they arrived that they remember no other home.

Dr Monique Ryan, Independent MP for Kooyong said:
“This month, the Albanese Government granted permanent protection visas to brave and threatened Iranian soccer players in less than 24 hours. But it continues to deny the same protections to people who’ve fled similar persecution from the same regime and who have lived in this country for more than eight years.”

“Earlier this month the government quietly pushed through parliament a bill giving it the ability to suspend temporary visas already held by thousands of Iranians living outside Australia.

The Minister for Home Affairs needs to extend the decency offered to the Iranian soccer players to those who have previously fled persecution, survived offshore detention, and now call Australia home. It is unthinkable that these people are still not afforded safety, security, and certainty in this country.”

Jana Favero, Deputy CEO, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre said:
‘’We are all watching in horror at the volatility and danger facing people in Iran, yet those in Australia who have the power to ensure people’s safety are instead choosing harm and cruelty. They are choosing unfairness by arbitrarily picking and choosing – offering some Iranians safety in days, while others are still waiting after 8 years in our community.”

“Refugees who have contributed, have grown up here and are Australian in every way, apart from visa status. As with the Iranian football players, this could be resolved with the stroke of a pen. There is a simple response and solution, all that’s needed is for the Albanese Government to make a common sense and humane decision.’’

Ferdos, 23 years old (Iranian refugee previously detained on Nauru) said:
“As an Iranian refugee who grew up in such a beautiful country here in Australia with my family, it’s difficult to be on endless temporary visas. Our lives are ruled by uncertainty, despite the fact that we have built our lives here and we feel Australian in every way. I don’t remember any other home, and I have been working as hard as I can to contribute to this country and to rebuild my life after everything I’ve been through. We just need fairness and compassion for Australia to recognise us and give us a pathway to permanent protection.”

Rahman, father of two (Iranian refugee previously detained on Nauru) said:
“I came to Australia 14 years ago and was sent to Nauru where I was detained for two years. In 2015 I was brought to Australia, and I’ve spent 11 years rebuilding my life here. I’m the father of two boys born in Australia, who know no other home – but one is an Australian citizen and the other has the same temporary status as me. After all this time, we are still living with no certainty about our future.”

“Despite the restrictions placed on me, I’ve worked hard, built a business and contributed to this country, but my family is still not safe. We’ve seen with the Iranian women’s soccer team that the Government can act quickly when they choose to. We’re asking for that same compassion, so our children can grow up knowing they belong.”

Media Enquiries
To arrange an interview with any of the above spokespeople, please contact:
Rosie Leon Thomas, Office of Dr Monique Ryan, MP on 0455 657 546 or rosie.leonthomas@aph.gov.au
Natasha Blucher, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, on 0412 034 821 or media@asrc.org.au