Government must use trauma-informed approach to end uncertainty on refugee visa applications
Retrieved on:
Sunday, May 14, 2023
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When making the announcement, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said this would end the limbo for refugees after they had “endured ten years of uncertainty”.
Key Points:
- When making the announcement, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said this would end the limbo for refugees after they had “endured ten years of uncertainty”.
- Known collectively as the “legacy caseload”, their refugee status was subject to a “fast track” process.
The trauma of uncertainty
- The minister’s recognition of the impact of visa uncertainty resonates with recently published research we conducted with lawyers and migration agents who work with this group.
- This research adds to existing evidence about the negative impact of temporary visas on the mental health of asylum seekers.
- This research reveals how the government can use a trauma-informed approach to end visa uncertainty and create a shared future.
Resolution of Status Visas
- Refugees who currently hold TPVs and SHEVs will be eligible for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa.
- Processing is under way and as of late March 2023 100 visas have already been granted.
- Permanent visas will mean refugees can begin the process of family reunion after over a decade of separation.
What happens to those who do not hold a TPV or SHEV?
- Statistics published by the department in February 2023 state there are 9,861 people who have been through the fast-track process and were refused visas.
- If they are then found to be a refugee, they would be eligible for a Resolution of Status Visa.
- Flaws in the fast-track process and in particular with the review process of the IAA have been documented previously.
- What changes, if any, might be made are unclear, but this group of people face ongoing limbo.
Deterioration in mental health is directly linked to treatment
- In 2018 and 2019, we surveyed and interviewed lawyers and migration agents who worked directly with clients going through the “fast track” assessment process.
- They heard stories of overwhelming emotions (for example, despair and anger) as well as witnessing self-harm and suicidal behaviour.
- A key driver of people’s mental distress was their inability to apply for a visa for several years.
- This was followed by a difficult and fast-paced application process in which they were expected to relay their stories of persecution.