Refugees with negative security assessments face indefinite detention

Changes to federal laws mean refugees who are considered security risks will be barred from getting a protection visa, and they could be detained indefinitely.

(File: AAP)

The amendment to the Migration Act means if a refugee receives an adverse security assessment from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, they won't be able to get a protection visa.

ASIO assessments of non-citizens cannot be reviewed, and people found to be genuine refugees cannot be returned to their country of origin, placing them in legal limbo.

The bill was opposed by the Australian Greens but has been passed into law with Coalition and Labor support.