The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, in a media release published on 30 September 2010, announced that the suspension of Afghan asylum seeker claims would be lifted immediately.
The Minister stated that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has been engaged in researching the situation in Afghanistan, particularly for ethnic Hazaras who comprise the majority of Afghani asylum seekers. According to the Minister, the Australian Government’s decision to lift the suspension has been informed by a range of sources including information obtained from the Australian embassy in Kabul.
Afghan asylum seekers affected by the suspension will be entitled to access the Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme in order to help them submit statements of claim.
The Government is however continuing with its attempted development of a “Regional Protection Framework” and continues to pursue the idea of creating a Regional Processing Centre in East Timor.
This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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