| What is the Australian government's refugee policy? |
| FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) | |||
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Australia has two channels for refugee arrivals- offshore and onshore processing - 13000 places are currently reserved for humanitarian entrants. Offshore clients are eligible to apply for protection status from their country of origin. If approved they are brought to Australia and provided with a Permanent Protection Visa, which can lead to full citizenship. The onshore processing system affects those who apply for protection once on Australian soil.
Most people in this category, especially if they have arrived by boat, are placed in mandatory detention whilst their visa is being assessed. Some are allowed a community detention option, or are issued with Bridging Visas while they wait for the outcome of their application for Permanent Protection.
Detention can sometimes last several years. Australia has detention centres located in Perth, Sydney, Christmas Island, Darwin and Melbourne, as well as remote country towns. Click here for DIAC's official map of detention centres. For statistics relating to numbers within detention centres go here. For more details on the Australian government's policy on 'irregular arrivals', please click here. CARAD notes that it is not illegal to seek asylum in another country and basic human rights should be protected, under Article 31 of the UN Convention of Refugees (to which Australia is a signatory).
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