Australia is facing a record 100,000 asylum seekers living in the country, with 72,875 having had their claims refused but not yet deported, according to government figures. The number includes 27,342 awaiting refugee status determinations.
Former immigration deputy secretary Abul Rizvi described the situation as a policy failure with no simple solution, leaving many vulnerable to labour exploitation. He noted that applications have risen sharply since borders reopened in November 2021, and the backlog has increased rapidly.
Home affairs data shows 1,725 people claimed protection onshore in February, bringing the total under the Albanese government to 12,859. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal also reports a record 39,625 people seeking review of their asylum claims.
Rizvi warned that while the labour market remains strong, many work unlawfully, but a weakening market could lead to exploitative wages and homelessness. He said amnesties would create perverse incentives.
Shadow immigration minister Dan Tehan criticised Labor, saying almost 13,000 asylum seekers have arrived by plane since the election. A government spokesperson countered that the Coalition left a backlog of over 140,000 onshore protection visa applications.
The government has committed $63.4 million over two years to appoint 75 extra tribunal members to clear backlogs, and plans to abolish the AAT. It also announced a lottery for 3,000 permanent residency visas for Pacific Islanders, which may reduce asylum claims.
