Sydney, Monday, 13th February 2023

The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education (ERC) welcomes news of the change in policy towards Temporary Protection (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) holders by the Albanese Labor Government.

ERC Director 'Alopi Latukefu said:"For too long TPV and SHEV holders have been living in limbo, with many deprived of seeing their loved ones, and with no prospect of building family lives here. Whilst some have been able to find work in Australia, paid taxes and even started businesses, for many finding work has been an ongoing struggle. Also, they have been unable to access basic services such as higher education assistance and social security payments. It's time to end the suffering of those impacted by this cruel policy and grant them the safety and security they are longing for."

ERC Refugee and Asylum Seeker Program Coordinator Farid Ghalib added: "We welcome the decision made by the Labor Government announcing a pathway to permanent protection to the 19,000 people on TPV and SHEV, but there're still substantial number of people in limbo and uncertainty. We would like the government to have a clear, dignified and humane outcome for them as well."