The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn a directive that temporarily changed the intake of asylum seeker applications, following concerns over the impact it had on refugee reception offices and public safety.
The directive was issued on 28 September by the department’s Director-General to help implement a Constitutional Court ruling delivered on the 7th July.
However, the department says the implementation of the directive led to serious operational challenges within days, with refugee reception offices becoming overwhelmed and Home Affairs officials being placed at risk. It also raised concerns about threats to public safety and order.
The department has dismissed claims that the directive was politically motivated, explaining that it was an operational measure issued without the knowledge of the Home Affairs Minister or other political office-bearers.
Home Affairs says it will now review its approach to ensure compliance with the Constitutional Court’s order while finding a practical and sustainable way to manage asylum seeker applications.
The department has reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the judiciary and upholding the rule of law.
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