Hazara Nation

Following Australia's recent Budget announcements, it seems the present Rudd government is set to act upon yet another of their election pleas, with confirmation for the abolishment of Temporary Protection Visas.

The controversial Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) regime was first set up by the previous government and came in to action in October 1999. The visa was designed in order to comply with international obligations for refugees, set at the Refugees Convention. They were issued offering benefits for unauthorised arrivals that were thought to be owed protection.

The visas have seen a number of amendments over the years ultimately resulting in the removal of additional benefits. This was due to the increased misuse of the protection process by unauthorised arrivals, which included the use of people smugglers to assist people to travel unlawfully to Australia.

Talking in favour of the new abolishment plans, Chris Evans, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship said that "Under arrangements put in place by the former Howard government, refugees had no travel rights, reduced access to refugee settlement services such as English language programs, employment and income assistance, and could not be reunited with other family members."

He went on to add that "from early 2008-09, people found to be refugees will receive a permanent visa, regardless of their mode of arrival."

The new plans will see the status of TPVs' resolved. However at present there are around 1000 refugees residing in Australia whom are on a Temporary Protection Visa.

It is understood that the future plans will mean that as long as applicants meet security and character requirements, they will be granted permanent residency in Australia and will not need to have their protection claims reassessed.

Although public opinion has been in favour of the abolishment, some people are however concerned for the security of the country. Speaking at the budget announcement Senator Evans said "The Government is firmly committed to maintaining strong border security measures and we will continue to enhance our efforts to combat people smuggling to Australia, in particular by working with other countries in the region."