Australia immigration finally revealed the latest figure of issued-visa – the Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen disclosed the current figure of 13,759 visas that were granted during the last year Under Australia’s much popular Humanitarian program.
The new figure is a combined number of visas that were issued to refugee from several camps in the world, the immigrants who entered the country by boat and humanitarian visa category.
Out of 13,759 visas, 6,004 visas were granted to refugee from camps, 6,004 visas were granted in favor of asylum-seekers and rest 714 visas have been issued under humanitarian program, comes under the special visa category and also to those who faced human right violation.
While talking about the new figure, Bowen, said, “Australia has finally shown its great commitment towards humanitarian and proud of being the third largest nation for providing a shelter to refugees across the world. “
“We have successfully exceeded our target from 12 to 13.7 per cent for offering visa under the special category of women at risk program. The program is structured for women and their dependents,” said Bowen.
Refugee advocates, concerned for the protection of their right have urged the government representative expert panel for revising the policies that have been made for those of asylum-seeker. In fact, suggestion for doubling the intake of refugee also been made. Besides, the recommendation for issuing 13,500 humanitarian visas yearly has also been presented.
Reviewing all the facts, spokeswomen for the UN High Commission for refugee, revealed, “We believe that taking one step to deal such challenges would make an adverse impact on the link that holds offshore and onshore components together.
The government’s panel for addressing the issue like asylum has recently been formed by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard – a three-member panel – will be responsible for handling border protection as well.
The panel has been formed by including members like Paris Aristotle (Immigration lawyer), Houston (Air Chief Marshal) and Michael L’Estrange, a former Head of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
