Immigration minister looking for 45 per cent increase in refugee acceptance

Details

Created on Monday, 05 December 2011 12:46

Written by Editorial staff

The number of refugees Australia accepts each year could be set to increase by as much as 45 per cent if proposed changes are put into place.

Minister for immigration Chris Bowen has called for a rise in the national intake of asylum seeker from 13,750 to 20,000 at a national conference on December 3.

The target was described by Bowen as being aspirational, stating that "there's no timeline that I'm putting on it".

"I expect a robust debate around various issues including asylum seekers that has been the case for every National Conference I have attended ... I think the Australian people would be more than happy to have a discussion about increasing the refugee intake over time."

At the national conference, the minister for home affairs and justice Brendan O'Connor backed the move, saying he applauded the proposed changes that provided "greater support for genuine refugees".

"I believe a humane approach should involve Australia increasing the humanitarian and refugee intake and the aspirational goal of 20,000 a year is something I strongly support."

In Australia the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is the official body responsible for issuing the visas necessary for migrants and refugees to stay in the country.

The DIAC is also the main body in charge of processing applications for permanent residency on a range of grounds, including dependants and spousals conditions.

While the department does have a range of options available for individuals to gain additional information before submitting an application, there is still a real need to gain professional advice that takes their surrounding circumstances into account.

Registered Australian migration agents are experts in their field and are able to supply an applicant and their family with the latest advice.

They can deliver their clients with a range of services, supplying them with the information they need on documentation requirements and departmental fees.

In turn this can help to ensure that they are able to fully explore their residency options before making a decision - a useful service that can save applicants both time and money, as the procedures can be fairly involved and require fees that are frequently non-refundable.

By making use of migration agents in Australia, applicants can get a professional review of their case, giving them peace of mind that their submission to the DIAC has the best possible chance of succeeding.