The government’s announcement to create a path of permanency for thousands of refugees living under temporary visas, has given these people hope for the future.
Around 19,000 refugees who arrived in Australia before Operation Sovereign Borders started in 2013 will be able to apply to transition to a permanent visa.
The Wire’s Aryana Mohmood spoke with Abdul Jalal Azizi, an Afghan refugee who has been living in Brisbane, Queensland with a temporary protection visa and has lived “in limbo” for over 11 years.
He was recognised as a refugee but under his visa status, was unable to sponsor his family to come to Australia, among other restrictions. Abdul says this policy change has given him hope for the future.
Image: Image Courtesy: Steve Cavenagh
Produced By: Aryana Mohmood
Featured In Story: Abdul Jalal Azizi
First aired on The Wire, Monday 20 February