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Please note: this website was created in 2003 and there have been several changes in relevant Australian legislation since that time (probably Canadian too). The website is kept online as an overview of the situation at that time but has not and will not be updated. | |
Australia - Services |
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This section of the tour details government funded services available to asylum seekers and refugees living in the community and the detention centre. The comparisons chart sets out the entitlements available under each relevant visa category. People who enter Australia on valid visas and apply for asylum are issued a bridging visa which allows them to remain legally in the country while their application is being considered. if they do not lodge an application for asylum within 45 days of arrival, they are denied a work permit and Medicare, leaving them with no income or hospital or medical cover. They are then totally dependent on charities for food, clothing, housing and medical help. The Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme (ASA) is available to eligible asylum seekers living in the community who have not received their primary decision after a minimum period of six months. This scheme provides assistance with meeting costs for food, accommodation and limited health care. The ASA scheme is administered under contract by the Australian Red Cross. If an application is rejected, an asylum seeker is generally no longer eligible for support. Some asylum seekers in financial need and those in detention are also entitled to legal advice when lodging refugee applications and applying for a review of a negative decision. This assistance is not available to lodge court appeals. Legal aid programs provided by state and territory governments assist with refugee applications. The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has developed a kit for advocacy groups and those working with refugees and asylum seekers. It is a quick reference guide and lists a number of services including contact details for key agencies, government and non government support groups (see the RCOA website)
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Entitlements Chart(Click on the chart
This chart compares entitlements received by refugees and asylum seekers under the bridging, permanent protection, and temporary protection visa categories. |
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