Scrapping Temporary Protection Visas Opens Doors for People Smugglers: Shadow Home Affairs Minister

Former Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews speaks during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on June 8, 2021. (Mark Evans/Getty Images)

The centre-left Labor government’s plan to scrap temporary protection visas poses a “real risk” to Australian borders as it would entice people smugglers and encourage illegal immigrants to enter the country, said Shadow Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews.

Under the Albanese government’s decision to abolish the temporary protection (TPV) and safe haven enterprise (SHEV), announced on Tuesday, about 19,000 refugees who have stayed in Australia for up to a decade will be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

It would only apply to people arriving before Operation Sovereign Borders was established on Sep. 18, 2013. Operation Sovereign Borders, which was introduced by the Coalition, is a military-led border security operation set out to combat people smuggling and protect the country’s borders.

Australia’s temporary protection visa is for people who arrived in Australia without a visa and want to seek asylum.

During the Wednesday senate estimate, the Australian Navy revealed it has increased defence capability into Australia’s North as part of Operation Sovereign Borders to enhance border protection.

Andrews called the scrapping of TPVs a “bungled policy implementation by the missing Minister for Home Affairs,” adding that the minister has been clearly advised that Temporary Protection Visas are a key deterrent measure.

“Even if you try and package this up—so that only a certain group of people will now get the right or the ability to seek permanency here in Australia—you’re still sending a very clear message that the people smugglers will pick up. And they will interpret it, and they will prosecute to the people that they’re trying to get on boats,” she told Sky News on Thursday.

“The argument that Australia is open for business, that if you stay here long enough, you will get permanency here in Australia, that is what the people smugglers will say.”

She added that there has already been an increase in boat arrivals into or towards Australia, which is “very concerning.”

Rohingya refugees receive medical treatment at a temporary shelter in Pidie, Aceh province, Indonesia, after arriving via boat, Dec. 26, 2022. (Antara Foto/Joni Saputra/via Reuters)

“People smugglers will look at every opportunity to restart their trade. They’ve already done that. About one boat a month has already been intercepted on its way to Australia by Australian officials, effectively our border force,” she said.

“There have been more boats that have been stopped by the Sri Lankan Navy, potentially on their way here to Australia, in fact, most likely on their way here to Australia.”

Labor Insists Decision Won’t Risk Border Security

In a media release on Feb. 13, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the Labor government “believes that we can keep our borders safe while showing humanity too.”

“TPV and SHEV holders work, pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities- often in rural and regional areas. Without permanent visas however, they’ve been unable to get a loan to buy a house, build their businesses or pursue further education,” O’Neil said.

“It makes no sense—economically or socially—to keep them in limbo.”

She insisted that the decision would not compromise the safety of Australian borders.

“Let me be crystal clear—if you try to enter Australia without a valid visa you will be turned back or returned to your port of origin. There is zero chance of settling in Australia under Operation Sovereign Borders,” O’Neil added.

An Australian navy boat cruises by Christmas Island on Feb. 29. A boatload of asylum seekers from China decided to seek refugee status in Australia rather than attempt the dangerous journey onto New Zealand. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

“The Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force are patrolling our waters to intercept and return any boats that try to enter.”

The left-wing Australian Greens welcomed the decision to scrap TPVs and SHEVs, saying it’s “a good one, and long overdue.”

“Temporary visas were part of the previous government’s inhumane agenda against refugees and people seeking asylum, and it’s long past time we put an end to it,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator McKim said.

“The government must take steps to support all refugees, particularly those who have faced years of uncertainty, including those who were left in a state of legal limbo.”