Australian government announces thousands of refugees can now apply for permanent visas

Carmen Lazar talks to SBS about the Federal government's announcement to allow almost 19,000 people on Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) apply for permanent stay visas known as Resolution of Status Visas.

Carmen Lazar: Assyrian Resource Centre Credit: SBS Assyrian

Mrs Lazar told SBS the move would allow so many people who arrived to Australia as asylum seekers in late 2013 to apply.

Mrs Lazar reiterated that the rule change applied only to those already in Australia and not to any refugees living overseas.