This research note provides statistics and background on the 457 visa, and discusses some of the controversies regarding temporary skilled and business migration.

The Ombudsman has provided a further seven assessments of the circumstances of people who have remained in immigration detention for two years or more to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, and these were tabled in parliament on 10 May. The reports and the minister’s tabling statement are available online.

This is an abridged report of an investigation into the handling by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs of the case of Mrs Aziza Yaukob Agha, an elderly Syrian visitor to Australia from Lebanon. Mrs Agha died shortly after attending a medical examination requested by the department.

Unauthorised arrivals found to be refugees and accepted into Australia are granted a three-year TPV with the option of applying for further protection at the end of the three years. Janet Phillips outlines TPV policy and legislation from its introduction in 1999, looks at the restrictions on TPV visas and the implications of those restrictions...