Are you an unauthorised maritime arrival?

AnnouncementThe Department of Immigration and Border Protection has launched a new website providing information to illegal maritime arrivals (IMAs).

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has launched a new website providing information to illegal maritime arrivals (IMAs).  Illegal maritime arrivals are those people who arrived in Australia by boat without authorisation – a valid visa.  There are thousands of IMAs currently in Australia who are currently barred from applying for a protection visa.

Invitation to apply

Recent changes to the Migration Act and Migration Regulations has resulted in invitations being issued to IMAs, permitting them to apply for a protection visa within a short period of time.  The Minister is currently issuing invitations to eligible IMAs who arrived between 13 August 2012 and 13 November 2012.

The protection visas that can be granted under the scheme are:

  • Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)
  • Save Haven Enteprise Visa (SHEV)

Applicants must engage Australia’s protection obligations in order to be granted these visas.

Fast-Track Assessment Process

Applicants who meet the below criteria will be processed via the Fast Track Assessment Process (Source: DIBP):-

  • Arrived on or after 13 August 2012 and before 1 January 2014
  • Have never been taken to a Regional Processing Centre
  • The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection has allowed you to make a valid protection visa application, and
  • You lodge a valid protection visa application on or after 18 April 2015

There are limited review mechanisms in place for the Fast Track Assessment Process, and requests for further information must be answered promptly.  Reviews will occur by referral to the Immigration Assessment Authority.

Applying for a TPV or SHEV

It is important that applicants provide complete and truthful claims in their applications and during the interview.  Failure to do so may result in refusal of a visa.  Applicants may wish to seek the assistance of a registered migration agent to assist with their application.

 

The above information does not constitute immigration advice or assistance.