Australia: refugees and asylum seekers
After a long legal battle to get any decision at all, Iraqi refugee Ali Al Jenabi has been refused a visa on the grounds that he helped other refugees reach Australia. However, he's been allowed to remain in Australia until Iraq is safe enough for him to return. You can read more about the case here: "Oskar Schindler and the people smuggler".
The "Pacific Solution", in which asylum seekers were detained outside Australia, finally came to an end last month, with the last refugees held on Nauru brought to Australia.
Last October the former Immigration Minister announced a cut in the numbers of African refugees on patently false grounds. Fortunately, it turns out the cut was a load of hot air. (Read more about Sudanese refugees in Australia here: A handful find refuge from horror.)
The current Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, is reconsidering the role of ministerial intervention in refugee cases.
Australia continues to refuse some asylum seekers basic health care. Doctors working pro bono and the Red Cross are assisting.
The "Pacific Solution", in which asylum seekers were detained outside Australia, finally came to an end last month, with the last refugees held on Nauru brought to Australia.
Last October the former Immigration Minister announced a cut in the numbers of African refugees on patently false grounds. Fortunately, it turns out the cut was a load of hot air. (Read more about Sudanese refugees in Australia here: A handful find refuge from horror.)
The current Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, is reconsidering the role of ministerial intervention in refugee cases.
Australia continues to refuse some asylum seekers basic health care. Doctors working pro bono and the Red Cross are assisting.