How do TPVs work?
After 30 months TPV holders are required to again prove their need for protection. In some cases a PPV can be granted and for others, a further TPV is granted.
If, en-route to Australia the refugee transited a 'safe country' (as determined by Australia) for more than seven days, the law states that they are not be entitled to apply for a PPV. In reality this law is often waived.
Immediate changes needed to the TPV policy
Whilst Amnesty International Australia calls for the abolition of the TPV policy, the following aspects could be remedied in the immediate term:
- TPV holders are not entitled to family reunion: The reality of this is that if, for example, a husband or father who risks his life by taking a boat to Australia is then deemed to be a refugee and granted a TPV, he cannot apply for his children and wife to reside in Australia. This policy has separated some families for six years with no end in sight.
- TPV holders are not entitled to travel documents: TPV holders cannot depart Australia and re-enter therefore they cannot visit any family members in a safe third country.
A two-class refugee system has been established in Australia
In effect the TPV penalises those who have been forced to flee human rights abuses but entered Australia undocumented. Access to services and a sense of security are severely limited for TPV holders.
For assistance upon release from detention, in finding accommodation, bond money, employment and learning English, TPV holders rely on the volunteers and extremely stretched resources of church and community groups.
| Temporary Protection Visas | Permanent Protection Visas |
|---|---|
| No initial accommodation offered | 13 weeks initial accommodation |
| No bond assistance | Bond assistance |
| No English language tuition | 510 hours English language tuition |
| Access to special benefit payment only | Immediate access to social security payments |
| Able to work but no employment assistance | Able to work and receive employment assistance |
| Able to receive Medicare | Able to receive Medicare |
The 1951 Refugee Convention, signed by Australia, states that refugees escaping danger should not be penalised for entering a country without proper documentation.
Many refugees who flee persecution often have no choice but to leave their country irregularly. For example, Iran maintains a 'black list' of all those who are wanted by the state at all major exits to the country. If someone who faces persecution attempts to leave legally security forces will immediately prevent him or her from leaving.
No matter where they come from or how they arrive in Australia, a refugee is a person fleeing human rights abuses. Amnesty International continues to call on the Australian Government to remove the TPV system and to ensure that all refugees are afforded the same services of support and assistance to build their future in Australia.
Share