In 2018-2019, Indian nationals were the third-largest group applying for protection visas in Australia. Today, they remain among the top five, according to official sources.
Many people apply for protection visas even though they are not eligible, causing a backlog that delays genuine cases. On average, 85 per cent of applications are rejected, largely because unprofessional agents mislead applicants, falsely promising that they can live and work in Australia while their applications are processed.
To tackle this issue, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer recently led an awareness program as part of a Department of Home Affairs initiative. It was one of nine programs held across the country.
Professor Harpreet Singh Kandra, who led the program, said, “Our goal was to inform multicultural communities that they should only apply for these visas if they are truly eligible. The government is offering free legal advice to help people determine eligibility, reducing fraudulent applications.”
He added, “We want to stop people from being misled by dodgy operators. These agents often give false advice, claiming there’s a ‘refugee visa,’ and that applicants can work while the visa is processed, leading many to apply when they shouldn’t.”
The Department of Home Affairs offers free legal help to people considering applying for a Protection visa (subclass 866). This service ensures applicants get accurate information about whether they qualify.
Protection visas are for people who face serious harm or persecution in their home country. They are not for people simply wanting to stay longer in Australia to work.
A rejected Protection visa application remains on the person’s immigration record, making it difficult to apply for other visas or visit Australia in the future. If a person stays without a valid visa, they may be detained and removed from the country, often at their own expense, which can be costly.
A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said, “Most Protection visa applications are rejected, with some nationalities having refusal rates close to 100 per cent. Free legal help also discourages people from using illegal migration agents, who often give false advice and charge thousands of dollars for it.”
New changes have been made to speed up the visa process, with applications now being processed eight times faster than in previous years. This ensures quicker decisions for those in genuine need and fast rejections for ineligible applicants.
“Anyone considering applying for a Protection visa is strongly encouraged to seek free legal advice from one of the providers listed on the Home Affairs website,” the spokesperson said.
Kandra said that the session at the Gurudwara was attended by 60 community leaders. It covered important information about eligibility, recent changes, and the risks of providing false information.
“With an average refusal rate of 85 per cent, attendees were encouraged to seek free legal advice to help them navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls,” he concluded.
(For the most accurate information on testing your eligibility, please visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au/protection)
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