Hazara Nation

Australia's new government won praise from the United Nations and human rights groups Wednesday for offering refugees permanent sanctuary rather than temporary visas.

In 1999, the former government began issuing refugees "temporary protection" visas, which were good for only three years, if they entered the country without authorization to apply for sanctuary. Those who applied from abroad could stay permanently if their applications were accepted.

But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's government, which won elections last November, announced Tuesday night that all refugees can now apply for permanent residence, regardless of how they reach the country.

U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes commended the government Wednesday for its decision.

"The temporary protection visa policy has created an unjust two-tiered system for refugees and has caused undue suffering and distress for many people trying to escape persecution," he said in a statement.

The refugee advocacy group A Just Australia said scrapping the temporary visa program would help refugees to put their pasts behind them and build positive futures.

Under the old policy, temporary visa holders could apply to stay permanently after three years.

Until they were accepted as permanent residents, however, they were unable to apply for relatives to be resettled in Australia as refugees. They immediately lost their temporary visas if they left Australia.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said Tuesday that about 1,000 refugees who are on temporary visas will automatically qualify for permanent visas if they meet security and character requirements.

Australia does not accept refugees who are deemed to be national security risks or who fail character tests due to factors such as criminal records.