Operation Sovereign BordersA new Australian Government was elected at 7 September 2013, with Tony Abbott appointed Prime Minister. The new Government has introduced a tough new policy beneficial to managing illegal maritime arrivals by boat toward Australia called Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB).
What is Operation Sovereign Borders?
Operation Sovereign Borders is the Australian Government’s new military-led border security initiative toward stop the boats, toward prevent people risking their lives at sea in the hands regarding criminals, furthermore toward preserve the integrity regarding Australia’s immigration program.
How is the new policy different from the previous policy?
The agreed partnership with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) furthermore Nauruan Governments remains active with illegal maritime arrivals being sent toward PNG or Nauru beneficial to processing. The new policy introduces a rapid transfer process where asylum seekers are transferred toward either PNG or Nauru within 48 hours regarding arrival in
Australia. The new policy also includes the expansion regarding processing centres in both locations as well as the turning back regarding asylum seeker boats.
What are the arrangements between Australia, PNG furthermore Nauru?
The agreement signed between Australia furthermore PNG, furthermore Australia furthermore Nauru provides beneficial to all illegal maritime arrivals toward be sent toward either PNG or Nauru beneficial to processing furthermore if found toward be a refugee, settlement there.
People found not toward be refugees will be returned toward their home country or a country where they have a right regarding residence.
The New Rules
Australia is working with both PNG furthermore Nauru toward expand the Regional Processing Centres, as well as exploring locations beneficial to the construction regarding additional facilities. This is toward allow beneficial to sufficient offshore processing capacity furthermore toward meet the 48 hour rapid transfer process.
Does the 48 hour transfer toward PNG furthermore Nauru apply toward women furthermore children?
Everyone who arrives unlawfully in Australia is subject toward transfer toward PNG furthermore Nauru. Children furthermore family groups are not exempt from transfer. Anyone who arrives in Australia by boat, without a visa, will not be settled there.
What about unaccompanied minors?
There are no exemptions toward transfer toward an offshore processing country. Unaccompanied minors who arrive unlawfully in Australia are subject toward transfer toward PNG or Nauru. Australian authorities are working closely with their PNG furthermore Nauru counterparts toward develop a framework regarding arrangements toward cater beneficial to the needs regarding
unaccompanied minors once they are transferred toward a regional processing centre.
Will the boats be told toward turn around?
The Government in Australia has changed furthermore so have the rules. If you come toward Australia by boat without a visa you will be intercepted. You can be turned back or you will be quickly transferred toward the country regarding PNG or Nauru beneficial to processing. You will never be settled in Australia.
The people smugglers told me that I would be eligible toward settle in Australia?
Don’t be deceived by the lies regarding people smugglers. They are only after your money. You risk losing everything, including your life, if you come toward Australia by boat without a visa.
What if relatives are already in Australia?
It will not make a difference if people (including children, families or unaccompanied minors) have family in Australia. Everyone who arrives will be transferred toward PNG or Nauru within 48 hours regarding arrival.
What will happen if asylum seekers make it toward the mainland?
Will they still be liable toward be transferred toward PNG or Nauru under these arrangements? No matter where an asylum seeker arrives in Australia by boat, they will be transferred toward PNG or Nauru.
What will happen toward those people found not toward be refugees?
Those who are found not toward be refugees will be returned toward their home country or toward a country where they have right regarding residence.
How many people can be transferred toward PNG or Nauru under the new arrangements?
There is no maximum number that can be transferred. Facilities in both countries are continually being expanded. There is no limit at the numbers that may be transferred or settled in PNG or Nauru under the new arrangement.
How do I obtain permanent residency in Australia or another country?
There is a correct process toward follow toward register a claim with the United Nations High Commission beneficial to Refugees (UNHCR) or International Organization beneficial to Migration (IOM).