The Albanese Government is allowing nearly 20,000 refugees on temporary protection and safe haven visas to apply for permanency. 

A wave of refugees that had been left “in limbo” will soon be able to access the same rights as all other permanent residents, including social security payments, access to the national disability insurance scheme and higher education loans.

Switching from temporary protection and safe haven enterprise visas will also open up a pathway to Australian citizenship, which would allow holders to sponsor family to come to Australia too.

Immigration minister Andrew Giles says it “made no sense” to keep thousands of people “in limbo” due to the policies of the previous Coalition government.

He says that people on refugee visas “work, pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities – often in rural and regional areas”.

“Without permanent visas, however, they’ve been unable to get a loan to buy a house, build their businesses or pursue further education,” the minister said

“It makes no sense - economically or socially - to keep them in limbo.”

Those who entered Australia before Operation Sovereign Borders started in 2013 who hold or have applied for a protection visa are eligible.

“Let me be crystal clear - if you try to enter Australia without a valid visa you will be turned back or returned to your port of origin,” said Home Affairs minister Clare O’Neil. 

“There is zero chance of settling in Australia under Operation Sovereign Borders.

“The Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force are patrolling our waters to intercept and return any boats that try to enter.”

Nearly $10 million over two years will be used to provide assistance for people going through the application process. The government estimates about 19,000 people will be eligible to apply for the new pathway.