Nearly 20,000 refugees to get same rights as other permanent residents after being kept ‘in limbo’

Labor clears way for temporary protection and safe haven visa holders to apply for permanency

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Nearly 20,000 refugees will soon be able to apply for permanency, giving them the same rights as permanent residents after being kept in limbo".

The changes - hailed by refugee advocates as a victory of unity and compassion over division and fear" - were part a Labor election promise. They mean that about 19,000 temporary protection and safe haven enterprise visa holders will be eligible to apply for a permanent resolution of status visa.

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