The Refugee Council has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, urging authorities to grant asylum seekers the basic rights to security, employment, and education. These ongoing protests reflect a broader frustration with Australia’s immigration policies and highlight the critical need for reform.
A growing number of Indian students in Australia are rallying to demand permanent residency, raising concerns about their uncertain future once their studies are complete. Many of these students, originally in the country on student visas, are now seeking asylum as a way to remain in Australia rather than return to India. This shift reflects the precarious situation faced by individuals on temporary visas, as reported by indiaherald.com.
In Perth, asylum seekers have staged a demonstration outside the office of Labor MP Sam Lim, advocating for permanent residency. These demonstrators are currently on temporary bridging visas, which impose several restrictions, including a lack of access to Medicare, employment opportunities, and educational privileges.
On August 31, over 500 demonstrators converged in Sydney to push for greater protections and an end to deportations
Compounding their challenges, these visas require continuous renewal, creating a cycle of uncertainty for those affected.
The urgency of the issue was highlighted last month when Tamil asylum seeker Mano Yogalingam tragically self-immolated in Melbourne after enduring a 12-year wait for permanent residency. This heartbreaking incident has added fuel to the ongoing demonstrations. Protesters have now gathered outside the Melbourne office of Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for over a month, demanding policy changes.
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