Labour resumes path for refugee relatives to come to Australia

Thousands of refugees arriving in Australia by boat are celebrating the federal government's decision to reopen visa processing for their family members.

A temporary protection visa holder in Canberra Credit: AAP

The former Coalition Government has dropped the number of family reunion visa applications that come by boat to the very bottom pile.

So that effectively their fate will never be considered.

Now the Immigration Minister has officially changed that position but only for those on permanent visas.

Nonetheless humanitarian groups welcomed the move.

Support is available for those in need by contacting crisis support:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

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