Advocates call for intervention to protect refugees as devastating toll of uncertainty continues

Thursday 29 August 2024: Refugee communities and supporters are reeling from the news that another young life has been lost because of the devastating impact of ongoing uncertainty caused by the flawed Fast Track process. 

Mano Yogalingam, a twenty-three-year-old Tamil asylum seeker, tragically passed away at 12pm yesterday. Mano was one of the volunteers at the 24/7 protest outside the Department of Home Affairs, Docklands.

Refugees are sleeping outside government offices in ongoing protests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane calling for permanent visas and an end to 12 years of devastating limbo. Adelaide will join the protests on 2 September.

Refugee advocates warn that thousands of people endure ‘lethal hopelessness’ caused by the ongoing uncertainty associated with the flawed Fast Track process. At least 30 people who have gone through this process have taken their own life.**

Refugee advocates representing 71 groups across Australia have today written to the Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Tony Burke, asking for his urgent intervention to provide permanent visas to end the ongoing uncertainty by the flawed Fast Track process. 

More than 9000 refugees are affected by this ongoing uncertainty and unfairness.

According to Marie Hapke, Convenor, Australia Refugee Action Network:

“We are absolutely heartbroken to learn of the loss of Mano. Our condolences to Mano’s family and to the whole community of people who are grieving at the loss of yet another life, too soon, because of the cruel and deeply flawed Fast Track policy.

The Albanese Government has made positive steps in giving certainty to 19,000 people with the abolition of Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas. However, thousands of people refused refugee protection under Fast Track process still have no certainty even though they have lived and worked in our communities for over a decade. In opposition Labor acknowledged that the Fast Track process was deeply flawed and unfair – it is absolutely urgent that people be given permanent protection so that this heartbreak can end.” 

Janet Joss, Executive, Grandmothers for Refugees said: 

"Is this the Australia we want? For 12 long years, people who fled persecution and war—risking everything for a chance at safety—have been trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, fear, and poverty. These individuals, who sought refuge in a nation that has proudly upheld the UN Refugee Convention since 1951, now find themselves on a cruel merry-go-round of precarious bridging visas. Reduced to camping out in the freezing cold, they are making a desperate plea to have their voices heard. This is a stark reminder that our nation must do better."

On top of more than a decade of trauma and uncertainty, maintaining a lengthy 24/7 vigil has also meant:

- Pausing work commitments for those who have work rights covered by bridging visas

- Further separations from family, on top of long-term inability to see family who remain in danger overseas

- Exposure to the damaging effects of social media misinformation and division, physical and racist attacks, and attempts to disrupt peaceful rallies.

People who have had protection withheld by the Fast Track process endure ongoing separation from loved ones and are at risk of destitution if they are unable to work. Many have no work rights, no study rights, and no access to Medicare. Even if they have study rights, young people must pay international fees to attend university. 

According to Paul Dalzell, Rural Australians for Refugees: 

“Thousands of refugees have been trapped in a virtual cage for the past twelve years because of Fast Track. We call upon the Albanese government to end this brutal uncertainty and lead Australia out of the long-term divisive politics which has demonised people who are exercising their right to seek asylum. Everyone affected by the Fast Track process needs to be provided with permanent visas, safety and certainty.”

Caroline Fleay, Associate Professor, Centre for Human Rights Education at Curtin University:

“We stand with everyone who came to our shores more than a decade ago asking for Australia’s protection. Instead, they have been forced to endure the deeply unfair Fast Track protection process which has left more than 9,000 people in a state of great uncertainty for far too long. This continues to have a terrible impact on people’s lives, including not being able to reunite with family members who live overseas. Pathways to a permanent visa are needed now.”

The protests being held around Australia began in Melbourne on 15 July, Sydney on 8 August and Brisbane on 19 August. Adelaide will join the protest on 2 September.

A vigil is being held for Mano at 12pm today at the site of the Melbourne encampment located outside the Department of Home Affairs building at 800 Bourke Street, Docklands. A vigil was also held at the Sydney site at 7pm last night.