Revealed: Australia’s 100,000-Strong Deportation Backlog

Rising Number of Failed Asylum Seekers in Australia

Australia is currently facing a significant challenge, with nearly 100,000 individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected still residing in the country, awaiting deportation. This situation has been linked to policies from former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Recent data from the Department of Home Affairs indicates that as of July 31, there were 98,979 people denied a protection visa but not yet deported.

Significant Increase in Applications

This figure represents a dramatic increase of 114 per cent compared to November 2019. Many applicants are international students from countries like India and China, who are believed to have submitted fraudulent asylum claims to remain in Australia.

Dr Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary of the Immigration Department, suggests that the actual number may have already exceeded 100,000, highlighting a concerning trend within Australia’s immigration system.

Challenges with Deportation

Authorities are struggling to manage this backlog, with only about a dozen deportations occurring each month. Many in this group are classified as unlawful non-citizens, and around 27,000 are still awaiting a decision on their claims.

Dr Rizvi pointed out that the surge in asylum applications began around 2015, when Dutton served as Minister for Immigration. Despite acknowledging the rise in numbers, the government has not allocated enough resources to handle immigration compliance effectively.

Employment and Exploitation Risks

Dr Rizvi estimates that approximately 50,000 individuals may be living unlawfully in Australia without work rights. They often find themselves in vulnerable positions, working in industries like construction and hospitality, where exploitation risks are high.

Peter Strachan, President of the Sustainable Population Australia advocacy group, expressed concerns that these workers are frequently targeted by unscrupulous contractors who take advantage of their precarious situation.

Long Wait for Deportation

If current deportation rates continue, it might take nearly 700 years to address the backlog. An analysis shows that India and China, major sources of international students, are contributing significantly to the rise in asylum claims, though they also see high refusal rates.

Dr Rizvi is calling for stricter measures against fraudulent migration agents who facilitate these bogus claims.

The growing backlog of failed asylum seekers illustrates ongoing inefficiencies within the Australian immigration system. For individuals considering migration, it’s crucial to understand how the system functions, particularly concerning visa sponsorship and applications. This issue may relate to international job seekers exploring options like the 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage visa) or those looking to obtain permanent residency (PR).

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