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Asylum seekers in Australia are people who have applied for refugee status in Australia but have not yet had their applications processed. They may be living in Australia on a bridging visa, which allows them to stay in the country while their application is being processed.
The number of asylum seekers in Australia has fluctuated over the past few years. In 2012, there were around 15,000 asylum seekers in Australia. This number increased to around 25,000 in 2013 and 2014. However, it has since decreased to around 30,000 in 2021.
The majority of asylum seekers in Australia come from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Asylum seekers in Australia face a number of challenges, including:
* Uncertainty about their future: Asylum seekers may have to wait for years for their applications to be processed. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
* Lack of access to services: Asylum seekers may have difficulty accessing essential services, such as healthcare and education.
* Discrimination: Asylum seekers may face discrimination from other Australians. This can make it difficult for them to find jobs and housing.
The Australian government has a number of policies in place to manage asylum seekers. These policies include:
* Offshore processing: Asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat are sent to offshore processing centers in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. They are not allowed to enter Australia until their applications have been processed.
* Temporary protection visas: Asylum seekers who are granted temporary protection visas are allowed to stay in Australia for a limited period of time. However, they are not allowed to become permanent residents.
* Family reunion: Asylum seekers who have family members in Australia may be able to apply for family reunion visas. These visas allow them to bring their family members to Australia.
The Australian government's policies on asylum seekers have been criticized by some human rights organizations. These organizations argue that the policies are inhumane and that they violate the rights of asylum seekers.