There are people temporarily resident in Australia on Safe Haven or Temporary Protection Visas. The Australian Government, in all good conscience, will not be able to return most of these people to their country of origin on account of refoulment matters. If they are sent home, they are likely to be incarcerated or lose their lives. Bishop Philip Huggins make a plea for their concern.
A PLEA FOR BIPARTISAN COOPERATION ON SOME TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS.
There are some people in Australia on Temporary Visas of various types who no Australian Government, in good conscience, will ever be able to return to their country of origin.
Bishop Philip Huggins tells, the people I know came here seeking asylum because of the regimes then in control of their nation. They suffered and fled, seeking safety. Some of these regimes are even worse now.
Individuals seeking asylum or holding temporary protection visas often face years, sometimes over a decade, in a state of limbo. This prolonged uncertainty often leads to significant mental health challenges and financial hardships. These matters also apply for those waiting many years for a Partner Visa.
The men and women I know are stuck in a waiting-room kind of existence. The Visa-system is so overloaded. Outcomes are so uncertain. The Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing times web page does not list these humanitarian visa and the processing times needful.
On the other hand, Visa Envoy (Home Affairs Safe Haven Visa page) tells this is a complex process, it will take some time for the Department of Home Affairs to finalise.
Hence this plea.
The plea is that the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition meet early in the next two weeks of the Federal Parliament.
The plea is that they agree to offer permanent residency to people from countries to which they can never be returned.
Obviously, subject to a security clearance being granted for these individuals.
People like myself – and faith leaders from all traditions – who carry these people’s stories in our hearts would brief our political leaders at a moment’s notice.
Such is our yearning to see these folk safe and secure in a nation that sings ‘for we are one and free’.
The women and men I know are already fine citizens. Were we seeking the best possible migrants for Australia they would be top of the list.
This plea comes with a measure of anxiety. Without a bipartisan agreement now, we may enter another Federal Election campaign in which this simple act of kindness is further delayed.
When it comes to healing and repairing our world, we all have agency. Our world is made better by wise, practical and compassionate leadership.
Hence this request of our Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition for a bipartisan agreement.
Can they clear the path towards permanent residency for temporary visa holders from places to which we know they cannot be returned?
Bishop Philip Huggins
3 February 2025
Member, Religions for Peace, Australia
Adjunct Professional, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
Bishop, Anglican Church of Australia