Six refugees who were given protection visas have allegedly returned to Iran, despite claiming their lives would be in danger if they were forced home.
According to alleged documents seen by The Herald Sun, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, or his delegate, cancelled their protection visas after discovering they voluntarily returned to Iran and later came back to Australia.
However, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal overturned Mr Dutton’s decision after ruling that just because a person made return trips from Australia to Iran does not mean that the person does not fear persecution in Iran.
The Herald Sun claim the documents reveal one refugee made three return trips after getting his Australian visa, one of which was to get married.
Another claimed to be on an Iranian wanted list but instead turned out to be an economic migrant rather than a refugee escaping persecution.
A couple allegedly said they had no identification papers and would be killed if they returned to Iran, but later made a return trip from Australia back to Iran on valid Iranian passports.
Two Iranian family members reportedly claimed to be stateless with no identity papers, but another family member later applied to join them in Australia with documents that cast doubts on their claims of persecution in Iran. However, the initial family members argued the documents provided by the relative were fake and the AAT agreed, although one expert argued they were genuine.
This news comes on the back of asylum seekers on Manus Island being told they need to leave the Australian-funded centre so it can be demolished.
The ABC has a recording of an official addressing the 700 men found to be refugees on May 15.
“You cannot stay at the regional processing centre,” he said.
“You need to consider your options. No-one will be resettled in Australia.”
Those who have been determined as asylum seekers can either temporarily relocate to “the transit centre”, settle in the PNG community, or return home.
Those whose claims for asylum have been rejected have been told to return to their countries of origin before August, when a $20,000 cash incentive from the Australian Government will cease.
“Everyone will need to move out of RPC (Regional Processing Centre) before it shuts down,” said the official.
“Do not leave it too late to make a decision.”
