IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Australian government announced that it will grant permanent visas to refugees who hold a temporary protection visa or safe haven enterprise visa.

Key Points:

  • Refugees on TPVs or SHEVs and arrived in Australia before Feb. 14, 2023, can now apply for permanent visas to live and work in Australia.
  • Refugees whose temporary visas have been canceled or refused will not be eligible to apply for permanent visas and will be asked to “depart Australia voluntarily.”
  • Refugees who traveled to Australia by boat after Jan. 1, 2014 are not permitted to apply for permanent visas.
  • More information regarding eligibly requirements and application instructions is available here.

BAL Analysis: The government’s recent decision to grant visas to refugees is a significant milestone in Australia’s immigration policies; over 19,000 refugees in Australia are now able to apply for permanent visas to live and work in the country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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