Australian Refugee Issues

Occupational issues encountered within the Australian system of "border protection" 

How does the refugee experience affect occupation?
Before fleeing their country, many refugees experience long-term stay and social isolation in refugee camps.  As a result they have limited or no opportunity for participation in meaningful activites such as social interaction, leisure or satisfying work.  Also, on arrival to their host country some refugees (asylum seekers) are required by law to remain in detention centres for long periods of time.  These detention centres are isolated from contact with the outside world and provide little in the way of meaningful or productive occupational activities (Whiteford, 2001).   In both these situations, refugees are in circumstances where deprivation of occupation is an everyday occurance.  Refugees need to resettle into a foreign country with new environments, expectations, political and social systems, and language; disrupting their engagement in familiar occupations. 
 
What are key occupational issues for refugees following resettlement?
A major issue effecting refugees' ability to participate in every day occupations is the language barrier they experience following arrival to their host country (Driver & Beltran, 1998; Whiteford, 2001).  The lack of ability to communicate effectively increases one's sense of isolation, and decreases opportunity for education and work (Whiteford, 2004).  The transmission of one's cultural values can also be disrupted and lead to loss of meaningful life roles (Algado, Gregori & Egan, 1997).  On arrival in the country of resettlment, trauma also continues to have an impact.  People relive experiences, fear for their relatives left behind, and can feel guilty for having saved themselves (Driver & Beltran, 1998).  Economic constraints, social discrimination, changes in life status/roles, and family disruptions can all impact ones ability to participate in meaningful life roles (Driver & Beltran, 1998). 

How does Australia's Humanitarian Program work?
Australia's Humanitarian Program has two components through which refugees may be granted entry:

1. Offshore Resettlement

• Permenant Offshore Visa's 
   Refugee Category:  for those who are in need of resettlement due to persecution in their home country.  Most applicants are identified by UNHCR.
  Special Humanitarian Program (SPH): for those who are outside of their home country and are subject to considerable discrimination that violates their human rights.  Applicants for this visa must be supported by Australian citizens, residents or organisations.
• Temporary Offshore Visa's
  Temporary offshore visas are used for those who have bypassed/abandoned protection in another country, however are appropriate for humanitarian entry into Australia.  The visa is categorised as a Secondary Movement Relocation or Secondary Movement Offshore Entry.

2.     Onshore Protection (Applies to Asylum Seekers)

• Permenant Protection Visa:  are granted to those who arrive in Australia in an authorised way (ie. student/tourist visa) and apply for refugee status.
• Temporary Protection Visa:  are available to asylum seekers who arrive in Australia without a valid visa (ie boat) and seek refugee status.  They are detained in Detention Centres while claims are processed and if successful can reside in Australia for three years.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs provides detailed information on visas used in Australia's Humanitarian Program.

How many refugees settled in Australia during 2004-2005?
Australia allocated 13 000 places for the Humanitarian Program during 2004-2005:

• 6000 for individuals in the refugee category
• 7000 places for those allocated in the Special Humanitarism Program and onshore protection

In alignment with UNHCR regional priorities, approximately 70% of Humanitarian grants were from Africa, 26% from the Middle East and South West Asia, and the remaining 3% from the Americas and Asia/Pacific.
The Humanitarian Program has created 13 000 new places for 2005-2006,  and will focus on similar regions.

How does visa status affect occupation?
Refugees are eligible for different services based on what visa they are allocated, as shown in the table below.
(Fact Sheet 66, http://www.immi.gov.au/facts/66ihss.htm, 2006)

Are all Asylum Seekers detained in Detention Centres?
Asylum seekers may be detained according to the Migration Act 1958 if they arrive in Australia without having sought permission (eg boat people, or those who do not have acceptable visa or travel documents).  Some asylum seekers arrive in Australia on a valid visa (eg. sudent or holiday) and can remain in the community while their claims are being processed.