Know the Facts

Refugee and Humanitarian Entry and Stay

Question taken on notice - Additional Estimates Hearing : 15 February 2005

IMMIGRATION AND MULTICULTURAL AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO
(29) Output 1.2: Refugee and Humanitarian Entry and Stay

Senator Ludwig asked:

Temporary Protection Visas

1. Is it the Department's aim to re-assess every individual who applies for permanent protection when their TPV expires?
2. Is the Department progressing in this matter?
3. How many have applied for permanent protection?
4. How many have been accepted at first decision?
5. How many have appealed to the RRT?
6. How many have left voluntarily?
7. How many are awaiting decisions?
8. What is the estimated cost of each assessment?
9. Given that the last boat arrival was in 2001, when does the Department expect that the final decision will be made on permanent protection for refugees who landed by boat?

Answer:

1. Yes. The Department is under a statutory obligation to assess and decide protection visa applications.
2. Yes, DIMIA records indicate that as at 25 February 2005, some 4,500 primary decisions have been made on further protection visa applications lodged by Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) and offshore Temporary Humanitarian Visa (THV) holders.
3. DIMIA records indicate that as at 25 February 2005 some 9,300 applications for further protection have been lodged. Whether a further protection visa is a temporary or permanent visa will depend on a number of factors, including the person's actions as they travelled to Australia.
4. DIMIA records indicate that as at 25 February 2005, some 2,500 grants have been made at the primary decision stage on applications for further protection.
5. DIMIA records indicate that as at 25 February 2005, some 1,500 decisions on applications for further protection have been appealed to the Refugee Review Tribunal.
6. DIMIA systems show that as at 27 February 2005, some 320 former TPV holders have departed Australia without waiting for resolution of a further protection visa application.

How Many Other Type Visas Granted following August 27 2004

Senator Ludwig asked:

How many other classes of visa have been granted to people on temporary protection visas as a result of the Minister's announcement of "permanent protection options" prior to last year's election?

Answer:

As expected, only small numbers of temporary protection visa holders and offshore temporary humanitarian visa holders are applying for mainstream visas so far. Most of these people are awaiting the outcome of their further protection visa applications as this offers the prospect of obtaining permanent residence and access to attractive settlement services and welfare support if needed.

As at 25 February 2005, 20 applications for mainstream visas have been lodged (covering 35 people). Eight applications (18 people) have been finalised with 15 permanent visas granted, 1 temporary visa granted and 1 application (covering 2 people) withdrawn as the applicants were granted permanent protection visas.

The visas granted are:

- 12 Subclass 856 Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent) visas
- 1 Subclass 801 Spouse (Permanent) visa
- 2 Subclass 857 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Permanent) visas
- 1 Subclass 422 Medical Practitioner (Temporary) visa

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