Australia Tightens Measures Against Misuse of Protection Visa System
Neetu Sharma
in Australia Immigration News, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy, Skilled Migration News
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has intensified efforts to address misuse of the Protection visa system. Operation ABAXIAL, launched in February 2024, has led to the detention and removal of individuals whose visa claims did not meet Australia’s protection obligations. With faster processing times and free legal assistance available, the government is ensuring genuine asylum seekers receive timely support while swiftly rejecting disingenuous claims. Employers are also urged to verify work rights to avoid penalties.
Lets explore these developments and their implications on Australia’s migration system.
Operation ABAXIAL was initiated in February 2024 to crack down on individuals making disingenuous Protection visa claims. As of August 2024, 88 people have been deported, with 66 voluntarily leaving Australia.
Faster Visa Processing: The new measures ensure quicker decisions on Protection visas, with most applications now processed up to eight times faster than before, reducing delays for genuine asylum seekers.
Free Legal Support: Applicants can access free legal advice from refugee and immigration specialists, helping them navigate the application process while reducing ineligible claims.
Employer Responsibility: Employers are reminded to verify the visa status of prospective workers using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Employing individuals without valid work rights could lead to legal penalties.
These actions are part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of its immigration system and ensure that genuine asylum seekers receive timely protection.
What is Protection Visa?
Subclass 866
This visa is for people who arrived in Australia on a valid visa and want to seek asylum. It lets you stay in Australia permanently, if you engage Australia’s protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the grant of the visa.
Subclass 785
This visa is for people who arrived in Australia without a visa, and want to seek asylum. It lets you stay in Australia temporarily if you engage Australia’s protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the grant of the visa.
These visas allow access to healthcare, education, and the right to work while ensuring safety from harm.
