Refugees and supporters call for permanent residency. Photo: Chris Slee
Hundreds of refugees and supporters rallied in Melbourne on November 5 to demand permanent residency.
Currently more than 30,000 refugees, many of who were detained on Manus Island and Nauru, are being forced to live on short term visas — 6 months, 3 years or 5 years.
Unable to plan their future, they fear being forced back to the countries from which they fled.
These people have been left in limbo for 10 years. The federal Labor government must act now to ensure 31,000 people have permanent visas to ensure safety and stability for all asylum seekers.
The rally was organised by Refugee Action Collective Victoria together with a number of groups of refugees from various countries.