Asylum review under attack
Ean Higgins; 24/5/08
Immigration Minister Chris Evans yesterday announced the first results of the Government’s efforts to speed up the processing of asylum-seekers, with those allowed to stay slightly outnumbering those being deported. The announcement drew criticism from asylum support groups, who fear for the fate of the thousands of people claiming to be political refugees. Senator Evans recently reviewed the cases of 72 people in immigration detention for more than two years. Of those, 24 have or will be removed because Senator Evans believes they have “no valid reason to be in Australia”. Five of the people have already been deported while steps are being taken to “fast-track” the removal of the remaining 19.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23749165-5013404,00.html
Minister moves to end refugee limbo
Andra Jackson; 24/5/08
Immigration Minister Chris Evans has moved to end up to five years of detention for 31 asylum seekers by offering them visas. They have either been granted visas or will be considered for visas depending on health and security checks. Some of another 17 long-term detainees still caught up in legal action over their status will be moved out of custody and into community detention while awaiting an outcome. At least half the remaining 72 detainees held in detention for more than two years will leave detention for good or while their claims are finalised.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/minister-moves-to-end-refugee-limbo/2008/05/23/1211183117118.html