Hannah Felsbourg
19 November 2024
Seventy-six organisations have signed an open letter urging the Federal government to provide a pathway to permanent residency for more than 8400 refugees in visa limbo.
The call coincided with 100 days of refugee-led protests demanding a pathway to permanency for those failed by the now defunct Fast Track system.
The letter highlighted refugees who, despite being in Australia for over a decade, still face the threat of return to danger and indefinite separation from their families.
Bishop Philip Huggins said many waiting for permanent status were well-integrated members of society yet remained in limbo due to bureaucratic delays.
He said these refugees, often with family ties in Australia, faced separation from loved ones abroad and instability due to temporary status limitations.
Many were unable to visit aging grandparents overseas, as leaving would prevent their return, adding to the emotional strain of their unsettled status.
Read more: ‘One day longer, one day stronger’: Refugee freedom push draws Anglican support
The backlog, exacerbated by global conflicts and pandemic disruptions, left many refugees waiting years for stability.
Bishop Huggins said faith communities and other advocates called for a compassionate, bipartisan approach to grant permanency to vetted individuals.
He said this would reduce strain on the immigration system and foster social cohesion.
The recent joint letter from advocacy groups appealed to the government to streamline pathways to residency, arguing many refugees met the criteria for permanency.
Bishop Huggins said the faith community supported this approach, as it aligned with values of compassion and community support.
He added faith groups were already assisting refugees with practical needs, such as accommodation, legal support, and social integration.
“It’s really a matter of loving them and wanting to see them settled and happy as we understand is God’s hope for all of us,” he said.
He encouraged Melbourne’s Anglicans to raise awareness and advocate for reform with their local representatives.
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