The news over the weekend of the appointment of Chris Bowen MP as our new Minister for Immigration and Citizenship is a welcome end to almost a month of uncertainty.
Unfortunately, the news today of growing numbers of asylum seekers (see: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/13/3009931.htm) is a disappointing reminder that we're a long way from resolving this issue.
There is a continued focus on numbers of arrivals, without any real questions being asked about why it is taking so long to process the arrivals' claims. Remember, these people are being held in prison-like conditions for indefinite periods. Is this how we "respect human rights" in the twenty-first century?
I'm sure the Government will tell us that the number of arrivals outweighs the resources available, etc, but how can they justify placing all applications by Afghani and Sri Lankan asylum seekers on hold indefinitely? It is pleasing to see Sri Lankan applications have resumed processing. How long do those from Afghanistan have to wait in prison before they get their turn?
The election showed us a great deal of fear-mongering, fact-distorting and media/politician driven frenzy over "illegal boat arrivals". They all but ignored the plight of those with legitimate claims to asylum, who have risked their lives to seek a new and brighter future on our shores. Is it too much to ask that we treat them with some dignity?
I sincerely hope, Mr Bowen, that you can talk some sense into your colleagues on Capital Hill. It's time for a fresh approach to this problem. After all, it's three years until the next election, so no need to worry about cheap policital point scoring at this stage!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Skilled Migration Shame
There have been some dramatic changes to the skilled migration program announced this week. See The Australian: http://bit.ly/aVdt7J and ABC News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/08/2812638.htm
The government’s proposed changes to Australia’s skilled migration scheme highlight one of the greatest failings of the immigration system – albeit one that unfortunately receives far less press than the so-called “boat people” epidemic.
The 20,000 applicants referred to are all highly skilled individuals, whose applications meet all relevant criteria but who have not had their visas processed since 2007.
Refunding the application fees is not enough – applicants will have invested considerable time, money and expectations of life in Australia, which have now all gone to waste due to the system’s failures. Many applicants could have explored options for migrating to other countries, but chose not to do so, only now to have their loyalty to Australia rejected.
And let’s spare a thought for the Australian economy – now denied the potential benefits of countless highly skilled individuals who, in many cases, will take those skills to competing economies.
This is a shameful situation and demonstrates that ill-thought-through reactions cause damage to real people. It is essential that Australia’s migration system be overhauled and mechanisms put in place to avoid instant changes to the rules which are severely detrimental to the applicants and Australia’s economy.
The government’s proposed changes to Australia’s skilled migration scheme highlight one of the greatest failings of the immigration system – albeit one that unfortunately receives far less press than the so-called “boat people” epidemic.
The 20,000 applicants referred to are all highly skilled individuals, whose applications meet all relevant criteria but who have not had their visas processed since 2007.
Refunding the application fees is not enough – applicants will have invested considerable time, money and expectations of life in Australia, which have now all gone to waste due to the system’s failures. Many applicants could have explored options for migrating to other countries, but chose not to do so, only now to have their loyalty to Australia rejected.
And let’s spare a thought for the Australian economy – now denied the potential benefits of countless highly skilled individuals who, in many cases, will take those skills to competing economies.
This is a shameful situation and demonstrates that ill-thought-through reactions cause damage to real people. It is essential that Australia’s migration system be overhauled and mechanisms put in place to avoid instant changes to the rules which are severely detrimental to the applicants and Australia’s economy.
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