1. What are Temporary Protection Visas?
Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) are a type of visa available to people who arrive in Australia without a visa and are found to be owed protection obligations.[1]
As its name suggests, a TPV only permits the holder to remain in Australia temporarily (this can be contrasted with a Permanent Protection Visa (PPV), which grants the holder permanent resident status). TPVs can last for up to three years, but some may be given for shorter periods. After a TPV expires, the holder can reapply for another TPV.
TPV holders are permitted to work (potentially subject to certain restrictions), and have access to Medicare. They are eligible for some income assistance, but the level and terms of this assistance are within the discretion of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (the Minister has indicated that access to benefits will be subject to mutual obligation conditions).[2]
If the holder of a TPV leaves Australia, the TPV does not entitle him or her to return. TPV holders also are not able to sponsor family members for Australian visas, or be granted any substantive visa while in Australia.
[1] These protection obligations are set out in s 36 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
[2] Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, ‘Operation Sovereign Borders, incident on Manus Island’ (Interview, 21 October 2013). At http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2013/sm208933.htm (viewed 12 December 2013).
