Removal Pending Bridging Visa

23 March 2005

A Just Australia, a national refugee group, welcomes the announcement by Immigration Minister, Senator Vanstone, that some indefinitely detained asylum seekers will be released from immigration detention but with no changes to the system, it could happen again.

"While this is a positive step forward, its only a small part of the picture." said Kate Gauthier, National Coordinator. "We ask the Government to extend this, at minimum, to all asylum seekers who have been detained for longer than 1 year and who pose little risk to the community and do not need to be detained further when better ways are available "

Resolving the stalemate by releasing those people who have completed the determination process but cannot be removed is humane and sensible. However this is only going to apply to indefinite detention, not long-term detention. In other words it is only for a very small number of people who can't be removed because no country can take them, as opposed to those who shouldn't be returned for safety reasons.
"It is quite deceptive that the Minister announces these changes for 'long-term detainees' when it's only about 'life-long detainees'. We have concerns for the long-term detained people from countries such as Afghanistan and Iran. These people are not going to be part of this package, as they did not sign to be deported after their process finished because there are still serious safety issues for them back home." said Ms Gauthier. A Complementary Humanitarian visa is urgently needed to resolve the situation of groups like these who still need a humanitarian outcome.

In addition there are still 54 people left on Nauru and the people on Christmas Island. These people should be immediately brought onshore and if they are out of process and can't be returned, release them on the same visas.

Some of the conditions of release are welcomed. There will be work rights and limited financial assistance as well as counselling. It is yet to be seen if the types of counselling offered are appropriate or effective. In addition there seems to be no end-date for this visa category to roll them over into residency. "A person could possibly be 'return-pending' forever. It shows that this is a band-aid solution to respond to community concern without really thinking about the long-term goals." Said Ms Gauthier

"The Government already has Programs like the Asylum Seekers Assistance Scheme administered by the Red Cross that could be expanded with no changes to legislation or the overall detention policy, to ensure all vulnerable asylum seekers who pass health and security screening could be released with proper support or work rights." said Ms Gauthier

Other local programs, such as Hotham Mission's, have demonstrated successful outcomes in supporting failed asylum seekers to return voluntarily, as well as assisting accepted refugees to settle into Australia faster and with less trauma. These options have already been shown to cost far less than detention and are achieving better outcomes than detention.

"We thank the government for taking this first step, but we'd like the door to remain open to discuss true changes to the system to ensure this cruel prolonged detention does not occur again. The programs are already there, we just need the political will to use them." said Ms Gauthier