November 24, 2024 8:48 am
Full News

Australia’s Labor Bill May Lead to Extended Migrant Detention, Committee Warns

Concerns raised over delays in deportations and punitive visa conditions for non-citizens.

A bipartisan human rights committee has cautioned that the Albanese government’s proposed migration bill could result in prolonged detention for non-citizens before deportation to third countries willing to accept them. The bill also faces criticism for reintroducing controversial measures such as ankle bracelets and curfews for those released from immigration detention.

In a report tabled Wednesday, the committee—chaired by Labor MP Josh Burns—highlighted potential complications in implementing the bill. It warned that agreements with third countries could involve a “significant intervening period” before they are ready to accept deportees, particularly if infrastructure such as reception facilities needs to be constructed. This delay could leave non-citizens in detention for extended periods.

The proposed legislation, introduced earlier in November, allows the government to pay third countries to accept deportees and grants authority to re-detain individuals who refuse removal. The bill, supported by the Coalition, aims to address the aftermath of a recent High Court ruling that indefinite detention is unlawful. Those affected include over 200 people on Bridging Visa R released due to the ruling, 374 individuals still in immigration detention, and others on general bridging visas awaiting arrangements to leave Australia.

Experts estimate thousands could be impacted, including people denied protection visas, those brought from offshore detention, and individuals affected by the controversial fast-track visa rejection process.

Human Rights Concerns
The committee raised alarm over the conditions under which non-citizens might be sent to third countries. It noted that some countries could impose “unattainable or unrealistic” conditions for accepting deportees, potentially leading to extended detention in Australia.

The government has argued that it would no longer bear human rights obligations toward individuals once they leave the country. However, the committee pointed out that international law might still hold Australia accountable if it exercises “sufficient control” over deportees, such as in cases where family separations or returns to dangerous situations occur.

Ankle Bracelets and Curfews Under Scrutiny
The bill also revives measures allowing the reimposition of visa conditions, such as electronic monitoring and curfews, on individuals released from detention. These conditions had previously been deemed unlawful by the High Court in November. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has since introduced regulations enabling these restrictions when deemed necessary to protect against serious crimes.

The committee questioned the necessity of these “punitive conditions,” emphasizing that Australian citizens with criminal records do not face comparable restrictions after completing their sentences. It also criticized mandatory one-year prison terms for breaching visa conditions, warning that such penalties could result in disproportionate or overly harsh punishments.

Parliamentary Process and Next Steps
The bill passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday and is set to undergo a one-week inquiry by the legal and constitutional affairs committee, with hearings scheduled for Thursday evening. The government has yet to reveal which countries it plans to engage for deportation agreements.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs stated that the bill provides a framework for arranging the removal of non-citizens who have exhausted all legal options to stay in Australia and cannot return to their home countries. However, the department declined to comment on potential third-country agreements.

As debate continues, the proposed legislation faces scrutiny for its potential human rights implications and the practical challenges of implementation.

Related News
Do Hormonal IUDs Cause Breast Cancer? Here’s What the Evidence Really Says
The number of koala deaths in road accidents in Australia is alarmingly increasing. Does this mean koalas will become extinct in Australia?
Extension of Magistracy Powers for Military Officials: Coast Guard and BGB Included
Gladiator 2 Breaks Record with Huge Opening at the Box Office
Trump’s Return: A Turning Point for Middle East Policies?
Thanos Returning in New Avengers Movie
Related Posts
Iconic Game Show Host, Dies at 83
Singapore PM Warns of Global Instability, Calls for Unity in a Dangerous Era
U.S. Defense Warns of Possible Russian IRBM Launch
Philippine Vice President’s Alleged Assassination Threat Against President Sparks Security Alert
Texas Passes Bill Banning Sharia Law
Putin Blames U.S. for Global Instability
More News

Buddhists not celebrating Kathin Chibar dan in three hill districts of Bangladesh

Special Report: The month-long biggest event of the Buddhist community in three hill districts of Bangladesh is not being held this time. The event was scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 15. For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, the event has been canceled in the hill areas. The decision […]

Those involved in attacking individuals at Zero Point, mistaking them for Awami League members, must be held accountable: Amnesty

The attack on Awami League supporters, activists, and leaders who were trying to pay tribute on Shahid Noor Hossain Day in Dhaka at Gulistan, the capital city of Bangladesh, on Sunday should be brought to trial by proper investment. The London-based humanitarian organization Amnesty International stated this on its X (Twitter) account on Monday from […]

Two U.S. Presidents to Meet at White House on Wednesday

The current U.S. President, Joe Biden, and President-elect Donald J. Trump will meet at the White House on Wednesday, a White House spokesperson said on Saturday. President-elect Trump is visiting the White House at Biden’s invitation. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement: “At President Biden’s invitation, President Biden and President-elect Trump will meet […]

Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey Talk ‘Queer,’ the Year’s Boldest Love Story

Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, ‘Queer’, tells the story of two gay men seeking refuge from their pasts in 1950s Mexico City. The film is based on William S. Burroughs’ novella and tackles themes of love, addiction, and sexuality. The film’s leads, Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, share insights into their roles and the groundbreaking nature […]

Iran Open to Nuclear Talks with UN, Resists ‘Pressure and Intimidation’

IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Visits Tehran for High-Stakes Negotiations on Nuclear Monitoring Iran expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear program but emphasized it will not do so “under pressure and intimidation.” This statement came during IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s visit to Tehran, where he […]

COP29: Singapore Commits US$500 Million to Boost Green Project Funding in Asia

Singapore has pledged to match every dollar, up to a total of US$500 million (S$670 million), to support green and transition projects across Asia, reinforcing the country’s role in advancing climate finance solutions in the region. The announcement was made by Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, on Tuesday (Nov 12) at […]

Two Cancer Warriors: Message from British Royalty to Manisha Koirala

Bollywood’s evergreen actress Manisha Koirala evokes nostalgia for many, bringing to mind the romantic essence of the 1990s. With her charming personality, stunning beauty, captivating smile, and effortless acting, she has won the hearts of millions. Although she isn’t as active in acting these days and chooses her projects carefully, her performance in Sanjay Leela […]

Drone Targets Israeli Prime Minister’s Residence in Caesarea

A drone was launched towards the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea, northern Israel, on Saturday, according to his spokesperson. Fortunately, Netanyahu was not at home, and no casualties have been reported. The Israeli military confirmed the drone, which had crossed into Israeli airspace from Lebanon, struck a structure in the Caesarea […]

Netanyahu Confirms Approval of Deadly Pager Attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel Claims Success in Targeted Pager Explosions That Killed Hezbollah Militants Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that he personally approved an attack targeting Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon in September, resulting in nearly 40 deaths and thousands of injuries. Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, conveyed that the Prime Minister authorized a precision strike on […]

Sunning win for new Zealand in Pune as they take the match and the series. India’s unbeaten run at home comes to an end

India suffered its first home Test series loss in 12 years after New Zealand took an unassailable 2-0 lead, defeating the host by 113 runs on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The last time India lost a Test series at home was in 2012, when England, under the leadership of Alastair […]