Time to restart refugee program with lifting of international travel restrictions

The Human Rights Law Centre has today welcomed the federal government’s announcement that international border restrictions will be lifted for most temporary visa holders.

On December 1, border restrictions will ease for a range of people holding Australian visas, who will no longer need to apply for an exemption.

Human Rights Law Centre Senior Lawyer Scott Cosgriff said:

“Today's announcement will bring joy and relief to many, including hundreds of thousands of people on temporary visas who have been barred from entering or leaving the country.

“Many of these people, whose lives are in Australia, have been separated from their loved ones, their jobs and their homes for more than 18 months.

“We hope today’s announcement is also a step towards replacing the flawed and hastily designed exemptions system, which has caused additional heartache for thousands of families during the pandemic.

“The lifting of restrictions is also a positive step for refugees whose resettlement in Australia has been postponed during the pandemic.

“It is vital that the Morrison government restart Australia’s refugee resettlement program and actively facilitate travel for 10,000 people who have been granted humanitarian visas but have been forced to wait overseas in precarious situations.”

Last week the Human Rights Law Centre released a paper, Still left behind, detailing the heart-breaking impact of Australia’s border closure and urging the Morrison government to provide a complete plan for lifting international travel restrictions.

Media contact:

Evan Schuurman, Media and Communications Manager, 0406 117 937, evan.schuurman@hrlc.org.au