According to the Refugee Council of Australia, “there are thousands of people seeking asylum living in the Australian community. Some of these people have come to Australia by plane, and sought asylum afterwards. Some of them have come to Australia by boat. The way they came affects whether they are detained, the conditions of their visas, and how their claim for protection is determined.”
NSW has one of the largest numbers of people living on bridging visas. This visa lets someone stay lawfully in Australia while they make arrangements to leave, finalise their immigration matter or wait for an immigration decision. In the process of seeking protection, many refugees become separated from their families or are forced to leave them behind.
Fams has always held children’s and family’s safety, health and wellbeing at the heart of all our work. People seeking asylum are among the most vulnerable in our statutory and service systems. We must do all we can to ensure that those seeking refugee status are treated with dignity and respect, while having equitable access to the support they need, when and where they need it.
The Refugee Advice and Casework Service has organised a petition to draw attention to the fact that Families belong together. Sign the petition here.
