Media Centre

A traumatic reality for asylum seekers living at Sanctuary

Publish Date: 12/01/2010
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

The issues related to asylum seekers are highly complex and continue to fuel international political debate. Baptcare remains committed to challenging the system for the benefit of people in need, including asylum seekers. Sanctuary is Baptcare’s facility that provides transitional supported accommodation for asylum seekers living lawfully in the community while they await the outcome of their application for a Protection Visa.

The residents at Sanctuary have fled their home countries to save their lives, yet for a great proportion of asylum seekers, securing a Protection Visa in Australia is not the final outcome. As we approach Christmas time, four of the 29 residents living at Sanctuary are on ‘departure grounds’. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires these residents to leave Australia.

For Roman*, a Sanctuary resident on departure grounds, the road ahead will be a volatile one.

After being denied protection by DIAC, the Refugee Review Tribunal and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Roman’s worst fears have been realised.

The bleak reality for Roman and most asylum seekers on departure grounds is that they will be returned to their country of origin; the same country that they fled to escape persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of particular social group or political opinion.

The negative outcome of Roman’s application for a Protection Visa has had a detrimental physiological affect on Roman. His anxiety and depression have escalated. The most traumatic emotion he constantly battles is fear; fear of death if he returns home.

There is also the experience of grief and loss. Roman and others like him feel as though they have lost their chance at securing freedom. But the legal process Roman followed in an attempt to secure protection in Australia is a common one, with an equally common outcome.

Sanctuary’s support system is most needed during this time. As Roman prepares for his imminent departure, he continues to receive pastoral care, guidance and counselling to assist with his depression and anxiety.

Sanctuary’s Case Worker, Martyn Shaddick, is also working to identify a safe environment for Roman on arrival in his homeland as well as advocating for financial assistance from the International Organisation for Migration so that Roman has some funds on his return home, addressing to some extent the financial independence that Roman has been denied during his time in Australia.

Mr Shaddick also attempts to secure legal counsel for clients on departure grounds. While this final legal advice is sought, it’s essential that clients are made aware of their situation, rather than promoting a sense of false hope.

At its very heart, Sanctuary promotes justice for our neighbours, who deserve to live a free and dignified life. Although the outcome for every Sanctuary resident is varied, we remain committed to challenging the system for the benefit of the individuals in our care.

*Name changed to protect privacy.