With major disruptions to international travel, our migration intake is lower than ever – as we move toward recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19, we need ‘people power’. Now is the time for the Australian government to provide permanent visas to refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom who have lived in our community for many years and continue to demonstrate their commitment to the Australian way of life. These people are extremely motivated and entrepreneurial – they pay their taxes, some have started new businesses and many are highly educated.    

Refugees and asylum seekers do not leave their homelands willingly. They are forced to leave behind their loved ones and livelihoods because it is unsafe for them to stay.  Australia is now their only home, but many only have temporary visas. 

Now is the time to provide individuals and families with permanent visas, so they can build their futures with us. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that ‘we’re in this together’. Permanent visas are necessary for people to have a sense of stability and consolidate their sense of belonging. The time is now.

When people only have temporary visas, they:

• find it difficult to secure long term employment
• pay full fees for education and training
• are not eligible to study on scholarships, even if they have been awarded one
• have limited access to government subsidised medication and treatment, counselling and access to services
• have difficulty qualifying for a home loan or become home owners (even after paying taxes, putting aside savings, or even being a business owner)
• cannot travel outside of Australia to visit family members or sponsor family members to visit them in Australia
• are permanently separated from families because they cannot apply for family reunion