Changes to the migration system must not deepen hardship and division

The Federal Government must not proceed with reported changes to Australia’s migration system that would take away work rights from people seeking asylum, reduce appeal rights and make it harder for families to stay together, says the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA). 

CAPSA, a collaborative national alliance of Catholic organisations convened by Jesuit Social Services which advocates for policy changes to achieve more just outcomes for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia, calls on the country’s political leaders to ensure any changes to the country’s migration system are based on evidence, fairness and long-term solutions for people seeking refuge and asylum in Australia. 

“As an alliance guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we are committed to welcoming the stranger and upholding the dignity of all people, regardless of their status or circumstance,” says Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services and Convenor of CAPSA. 

“While there may be legitimate challenges with Australia’s migration system that need to be addressed, removing rights, separating families and pushing people into poverty is not the answer, and will only create new and more costly problems,” said Ms Edwards. 

“Removing work rights would strip people of their income, independence and ability to afford basic necessities. It may also push people into cash-in-hand employment which may be unsafe or exploitative – or into dependence on already under-resourced charities. 

“We need to improve the speed and quality of decision making, not make it harder for people to have a protection decision reviewed. Keeping families apart for years while they wait for a decision will only add to their hardship.” 

Earlier this year, CAPSA made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Offshore Processing and Resettlement Arrangements, highlighting grave concerns about the suffering caused by current policies, and urging the Government to use its strength in parliament to initiate a fair, humane and principled reset of Australia’s treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum.   

“Once again, we call on the Government to abandon any planned punitive measures, and to ensure people seeking asylum are treated with dignity and respect: able to work, support their families and have a fair chance to make their case,” Ms Edwards says.