Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) welcomes changes in pathways to permanency for Refugees on TPVs & SHEVs
MYAN, Australia’s peak body representing the rights and interests of young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds welcomes the life-changing and very much anticipated announcement that more than 19,000 refugees currently living in Australia on temporary visas can now apply for permanent protection.
This change will give them the same rights as all other permanent residents in Australia and enable a more positive transition to citizenship for young refugees.
“This is such a welcome and significant policy decision and today we are thinking of everyone across Australia, including a significant number of young people, who have sought peace in this country and who for the last decade have withstood relentless uncertainty about their futures,” says Carmel Guerra OAM, Chair of MYAN. “MYAN, along with our colleagues in the sector, has long advocated for changes to temporary visas, and we know that for young people the relief and the changes this brings, particularly in terms of the removal of barriers to higher education and meaningful employment and the opportunity to reunite with loved ones is life changing.”
Young people on temporary visas who are very much part of the Australian community, have long faced barriers to positive settlement due to their exclusion from the full social benefits enjoyed by permanent residents and citizens, including ongoing stress caused by their uncertain future, financial pressures, and lack of access to support services. “Today’s news is momentous in terms of the life chances, well-being, and future aspirations of young refugees who have been living in Australia in a state of limbo and will now have a sense of belonging to the Australian nation.” adds Rana Ebrahimi, MYAN National Manager.
MYAN thanks to the government for their action in delivering on this significant policy change and we acknowledge the leadership of Minister Giles.
Please see this factsheet from our colleagues at Refugee Council of Australia for important information.
MYAN acknowledges the traditional custodians upon the lands on which we work and pay respect to their Elders past and present.
We acknowledge that Sovereignty was never ceded and recognise that this land was, is, and always will be Aboriginal Land. We work towards reconciliation with, and self -determination for the First Peoples of this country.
For inquiries please contact Rana Ebrahimi, MYAN National Manager rana@myan.org.au
0498437380
