Illegal immigration and the influx of asylum seekers has been a major cause of concern for Australia for a number of years. The size of the illegal immigrant population has reached the figure of nearly 60,000 including visa over-stayers. It has been suggested that the implication of this illegal population could constitute a criminal wave or even evidence of public policy failure.
However, with the “exception of a minute population of dangerous criminals these individuals (illegal immigrants) live tucked away in the shadows,” said Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) CEO, Maurene Horder.
“And that’s the problem. They risk exploitation by disreputable employers, endure psychological turmoil by spending their lives looking over their shoulders and simply do not participate fully in society.”
She added: “I would encourage any person currently in Australia illegally to protect yourself and your family by seeking migration and legal advice. You can approach any member of the MIA and be assured your situation will be treated completely in confidence.”
The institute is a peak body for migration advice professionals, representing about 2,000 Registered Migration Agents across Australia and overseas. In a statement the MIA has said that “in select instances, visa over-stayers may be able to remain in the country legally.”
More importantly, those who overstay and come forward voluntarily are able to depart on their own terms and may be less disadvantaged if they wish to return than those who are caught by Australian authorities.
“No one has the right to stay in this country without a visa, and I note the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has been vigilant in working inter-departmentally to identify illegal workers,” said Horder.
With the increase in the number of asylum seekers, a programme to ease the strain on overcrowded detention centre, a policy of placing ‘boatpeople’ in the community has not been implemented with a great deal of urgency. Barely 100 bridging visas have been issued despite more than 2,000 asylum seekers have arrived by boat since the policy shift was announced. Despite chronic disorder within the detention centres, as well as an increase in boat arrivals, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen’s office said 107 bridging visas had been issued in the three months since the scheme was implemented in October, last year.
In that same period, 2,163 boatpeople have been intercepted in Australian waters and subsequently placed in detention centres. These 107 bridging visas issued were below the aspirational target of at least 100 a month set by Bowen, although the minister did allow for a lag time as the immigration department stood the complex scheme up.
However, despite the slow start, those close to the programme, such as the Red Cross, said early indications were that the rollout was progressing well and certainly it appeared so from reports last month.
Head of Australian Services Noel Clement said most asylum seekers appeared to be settling comfortably into the community. “I’m not hearing any significant concerns about additional urgent assistance for people who have been released, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some individuals out there who may be struggling, but as a general sort of feel I would say it’s progressing very well.”
Under the arrangements, asylum seekers are to be released into the community while their refugee claims are finalised. The system is a sharp break from Australia’s system of mandatory detention that saw asylum seekers held until the claims were dealt with and their permanent visas issued. They will be given work rights and will be eligible for some income support. The pressure on the detention system, which according to the immigration department is holding 4,433 asylum seekers (as at January), meant the government had little choice but to soften mandatory detention.
Hi,illegal immigrants is being a major problem for australia gov should take action against this.
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