Australia approves controversial temporary visas for asylum seekers
The Australian parliament has approved the reintroduction of temporary visas for asylum seekers, allowing them to work and live in Australia for three to five years, but maintaining the government's right to deport them if the situation in their country of origin is deemed to have improved.
The temporary visas were criticised previously by the UN as well as human rights groups, who said that Australia would be in violation of UN Refugee Convention by denying permanent protection to those it deems to be at risk.
The change in immigration law was passed by 34 votes to 32 votes and approved by MPs this week.
The visas have been hailed by the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, known for his tough stance on immigration, as a "win for Australia".
"We always said that three things were necessary to stop the boats - offshore processing, turning boats around and temporary protection visas, and last night the final piece of policy was put in place," he was quoted by the BBC as saying.
The temporary visas were criticised previously by the UN as well as human rights groups, who said that Australia would be in violation of UN Refugee Convention by denying permanent protection to those it deems to be at risk.
The change in immigration law was passed by 34 votes to 32 votes and approved by MPs this week.
The visas have been hailed by the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, known for his tough stance on immigration, as a "win for Australia".
"We always said that three things were necessary to stop the boats - offshore processing, turning boats around and temporary protection visas, and last night the final piece of policy was put in place," he was quoted by the BBC as saying.
