Refugee lawyer David Manne has called on the federal government to respect the High Court's decision on the Malaysian asylum seeker deal and "get on with the job" of processing his clients' applications.
Mr Manne said he and his clients were delighted with the ruling that the deal was unlawful.
"These people came here in fear for their lives, seeking safety," Mr Manne told reporters in Melbourne.
"They were petrified at the prospect of being sent to Malaysia where they really felt they'd be harmed. "Quite clearly it would not have been lawful."
Mr Manne represents 42 asylum seekers who had been awaiting transfer to Malaysia.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
He said they had asked a simple question: "They asked the court if it was lawful" that they could be sent to Malaysia. Mr Manne said it was too early to know what the outcome would be for the refugees' asylum claims.
"I call on the government not to leave them locked up in limbo."
The High Court decision effectively stymies the government's so-called Malaysia Solution, under which it had planned to send 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia in exchange for 4000 already processed refugees.
Refugee lawyers asked the High Court to strike down the deal, arguing that the immigration minister did not have the power to send asylum seekers to a country that has no legal obligations to protect them.
They also argued that sending unaccompanied minors to Malaysia would breach the minister's duty of care as their legal guardian to act in their best interests.
Six of the 42 people awaiting transfer to Malaysia who are being represented by Mr Manne are unaccompanied children.
