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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Amy Remeikis and Ben Doherty

Nearly 20,000 refugees to get same rights as other permanent residents after being kept ‘in limbo’

Andrew Giles
Immigration minister Andrew Giles said ‘it makes no sense, economically or socially’, to keep refugees in limbo. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Nearly 20,000 refugees will soon be able to apply for permanency, giving them the same rights as permanent residents after being kept “in limbo”.

The changes – hailed by refugee advocates as “a victory of unity and compassion over division and fear” – were part of a Labor election promise. They mean that about 19,000 temporary protection and safe haven enterprise visa holders will be eligible to apply for a permanent resolution of status visa.

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