Australia extends temporary Afghan humanitarian visa


Australian government Extend a temporary humanitarian visa Issued to Afghanistan to support Australian troops in Afghanistan.

The decision to provide “continuous” extensions is a visa issued by the Department of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Federation to locally engaged employees (LEEs) or certified local workers and their families. Applies to. Police, and others who have worked with the Australian Government.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said the Taliban should not interfere with the efforts of those who want to leave the country.

“Australia expects the Taliban to support its commitment to ensure that Australians and Afghan visa holders can safely leave Afghanistan if they so desire. To that end, we will continue to work with our international partners. I will go, “says Hawk. “Australia also leverages close cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to identify the Afghans in greatest need.”

Epoch Times Photo
British troops worked with the US military to evacuate eligible civilians and their families in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 21, 2021. (UK Ministry of Defense crown copyright via Getty Images)

In response to the crisis in Afghanistan, more than 5,600 temporary humanitarian visas were issued, of which 3,500 began their settlement journey in Australia.

However, temporary humanitarian visas granted to Afghanistan outside of the LEE program will expire.

These people are prioritized in Australia’s humanitarian and refugee intake programs.

Australia has assigned 3,000 humanitarian visas to Afghan refugees in response to the crisis.

A Senate study of Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan revealed that none of the 3,000 visas have been granted yet.

“We haven’t granted a protective visa to those who have just arrived, not yet,” said the first secretary of the Interior Ministry’s Immigration Program. David Wilden said.. “They are still in their 449s and have not submitted a protective visa.”

“For clarity, the 499 visa, which is the visa that helped evacuate, is not the location of the program.”

Taliban in Afghanistan
A member of the Taliban patrol on a pickup truck in Kabul on September 30, 2021. (Bulent Kilic / AFP via Getty Images)

Hawk said Afghans seeking protection from Australia could apply under a humanitarian program, prioritizing vulnerable and persecuted minorities, women and children, and those associated with Australia. ..

Applicants must meet all personality, safety and health visa criteria.

“The government will continue to announce the evolving humanitarian situation with Afghanistan in the near future,” Hawk said.

AAP contributed to this article

Rebecca Chu

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