Protecting Iraqis who have supported Australian troops
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Iraqi employees, including translators and interpreters, who have supported Australian troops in Iraq will be able to apply for resettlement in Australia in recognition of the personal security situation they will face as Australia withdraws its combat forces from southern Iraq.
Anti-Coalition forces have deliberately targeted individuals working with Australian troops and their partners in southern Iraq.
In response, the Australian Government will adopt a new visa policy to enable the permanent resettlement in Australia of locally engaged employees (LEEs) and their families at risk because of their engagement with the Australian Government.
The policy will apply only to LEEs and their families specifically designated by the Government as eligible for a humanitarian visa under the new policy and it is anticipated that up to 600 visas will be granted.
The first group of employees to benefit will be a select group of Iraqis who have worked for, or with, the withdrawing elements of the Australian Defence Force commitment to Iraq.
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said these Iraqis have repeatedly shown their commitment to Australia’s security and reconstruction operations in Iraq.
Senator Evans said the LEEs and their families would be granted permanent humanitarian visas after undergoing strict health, character and national security checks.
The LEEs and their families will be settled throughout Australia and those with relatives already living in Australia will be settled in the same state or territory as their families where possible.
Media Note: File footage/imagery of the ADF’s Southern Iraq operations is available from http://www.defence.gov.au/opcatalyst/default.htm
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08033.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST