A Coptic family who feared they would be sent back to persecution in Egypt has been granted permanent visas after an intervention by the Turnbull government.
The Boshra family twice applied for protection visas but, having had both claims rejected, were told they must return to Egypt by the end of June.
They got a temporary reprieve from the government last month in response to SBS World News’ enquiries, and the Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke announced he would review all of the cases of Copts facing deportation.
Ashraf Boshra, his wife Amany and daughters Maria, Mira and Monica moved to Australia four years ago to escape relentless violence against the Copts.
"[I came here] seeking safety for my daughters, escaping the situation," he told SBS World News last month.
"I'm scared about my daughters, I'm scared about their safety. I'm scared about my wife."
The government said it would ensure no Copts were sent back to potential harm in Egypt.
"The government will continue to apply a mix of permanent and temporary visas as appropriate to ensure no one is at risk during the state of emergency affecting the Coptic Community in Egypt," Assistant Minister Hawke said.
“We will also continue to actively monitor and update country information and work with the Coptic community, the local Coptic Church, the Australian Embassy in Egypt and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure immigration decisions reflect the current situation in Egypt,” Mr Hawke said.
