A group of refugees, frustrated by the Fast Track system, are asking the capital of Australia, Canberra, to grant them permanent visas after more than 12 years of uncertainty.
They are also calling for an end to family separation and the fear of deportation for around 8,500 people affected by the Fast Track process, VisaGuide.World reports.
The delegates – Elnaz, Milad, and Sowriya – represent the Afghan, Iranian, and Tamil communities. They are part of a nationwide protest that has been going on for 86 days, with camps set up in cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.
According to local media, Elnaz, Milad, and Sowriya have lived in limbo for over 12 years and traveled to Canberra to urge MPs to help secure permanent visas for those still awaiting resolution.
With a PhD in cancer research, Australia is the only place where I can contribute meaningfully. I cannot return to my country. Here, I can make a difference.
The Fast Track policy, introduced by the Abbott Government in 2014, aimed to speed up protection claims but led to unfair decisions and long delays. Many refugees were deported to countries where they faced danger.
This policy has seriously affected delegates and thousands of others in Australia. Many are separated from family and struggle with limited access to work, education, and healthcare. Although the Labor Party opposed the Fast Track process and recently abolished it, no plans have been made to address the issues faced by the 8,500 people still waiting for resolution.
This group includes about 1,200 individuals who have yet to receive decisions on their initial protection visa applications, while others are stuck in review processes or have no options left.
Young Refugees Demanded Permanent Residency in March After Years in Limbo
In March 2024, young refugees affected by the flawed Fast Track system also called on political leaders in Canberra to allow them to finally call Australia home after living in visa limbo for over ten years.
A delegation of eight Tamil, Iranian, and Rohingya refugees, aged 17 to 27, met with MPs from Labor, the Greens, and Independents at Parliament House. They advocate for a fair and quick path to permanent residency for hundreds of young people, as well as for the 9,000 refugees who the Albanese Government was still overlooking.
Moreover, in February 2023, the Albanese Government announced a pathway to permanent residency for temporary protection visa holders, many of whom had gone through the Fast Track process. However, this announcement did not include Abbas and about 8,500 others seeking asylum who have lived in Australia for over ten years and faced the challenges of the flawed Fast Track system.