The Australian economy has been substantially affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Australian Government has closed its borders to all but citizens and permanent...
Latest publications
COVID-19 and humanitarian migrants on temporary visas: assessing the public costs
This paper estimates the impact of COVID-19. It finds that nearly 19,000 refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas will lose their jobs because of the current economic downturn.
The impacts of COVID-19 on people seeking asylum and refugees on temporary visas
This briefing focuses on the impacts of COVID-19 on asylum seekers holding Bridging Visas (BVs “A”, “C” and “E”), and refugees on Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) and Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs).
Seven years on: An overview of Australia’s offshore processing policies
This report aims to provide the key figures related to Australia's offshore processing policies, seven years on: how many people have been sent offshore, where people are now, where they were from, how many returned or...
Submission to the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with countries in the Pacific region
Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) made a submission to the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with countries in the Pacific region which is undertaken by Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs...
Submission to the inquiry on the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items In Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020
RCOA welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020 and its likely impacts on people in detention, their families and support...
Refugee resettlement to fall short of national and global targets, as COVID-19 pandemic halts travel
Summary of April 2020 Working Group on Resettlement Briefing on Covid-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has put paid to the Australian Government reaching its target of 17,100 offshore refugee resettlement visas in 2019-20 and...
Concerns about systemic cruelty and arbitrariness in Australia’s immigration detention system raised with two United Nations bodies ahead of their visits to Australia
This report raises key issues about Australia's detention system to two UN bodies, and Australia's breach of its obligations under the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Keeping the Australian Government accountable: a guide
This guide is for refugees, people seeking asylum, and people advocating on their behalf. It provides information about different ways in which people can raise their issues with the government, and how they can find...
The use of non-judicial accountability mechanisms by the refugee sector in Australia
This report looks at the use of non-judicial accountability mechanisms, such as Parliament and the Australian Human Rights Commission, by the refugee sector in Australia.
RCOA Impact Report 2018-19
We promote humane and compassionate policies for people seeking safety in Australia and around the globe. While we cannot predict the wars, conflicts and oppressive regimes that will force people to seek asylum, we can...
Submission into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening The Character Test) Bill 2019
Our key concerns We welcome the opportunity to restate our significant concerns about this Bill. We have consistently expressed our profound concerns about the continuing expansion of executive powers under the visa...
