Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
Indian students in Australia are increasingly protesting for permanent residency, with many seeking asylum to remain in the country rather than returning to India after completing their studies. These protests have gained intensity, as students, who initially arrived on student visas, now face uncertain futures under temporary bridging visas that require constant renewal and offer no access to Medicare, work, or study rights.
In Perth, a group of asylum seekers has been camping outside Labor MP Sam Lim’s office for over nine days, demanding permanent residency. In Melbourne, similar protests have been ongoing outside Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s office for more than a month. The tragic case of Tamil asylum seeker Mano Yogalingam, who self-immolated last month after waiting 12 years for a permanent visa, has further highlighted the urgency of the issue.
On August 31, more than 500 people rallied in Sydney, calling for stronger protections for asylum seekers and an end to deportations. Protesters argue that they should be granted basic rights, such as access to healthcare, education, and the ability to work, while they await the outcome of their visa applications.
The Refugee Council of Australia has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, urging authorities to provide asylum seekers with more humane and stable conditions. Many of these individuals are in limbo, unsure of their future in the country, which has led to growing frustration and calls for action.
As the protests continue to spread, the demand for permanent residency and better rights for asylum seekers remains a pressing issue in Australia’s immigration debate.
