The Nation

Move from detention welcomed

The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) has welcomed the federal government’s decision to allow asylum seekers arriving by boat to live in the community on bridging visas while their claims are assessed.

ACMRO’s director, Fr Maurizio Pettenà CS, said the decision showed “goodwill for which we are very grateful”.

“Australia’s commitment to uphold the dignity of those who seek asylum was stated when signing the 1951 refugee convention. These changes seem to reflect something of that statement,” he said.

ACMRO also welcomed the decision to grant work rights to those on bridging visas. “I believe asylum seekers who are given the opportunity to live and work in the community with support will see their lives greatly improved and the community all the richer for it”, Fr Pettenà said.

The policy will see asylum seekers released into the community as soon as it is deemed they do not present a security risk.

The government said the first group to be released were long-term detainees, all single men, previously accommodated at a range of detention facilities across Australia.

Those deemed “too vulnerable” to be given bridging visas, such as unaccompanied minors, had already been released under existing programmes and would continue to be given a high level of support.

Share this post