Re: Forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan

Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs Dear Prime Minister and Minister, Re: Forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan As the peak body for organisations working with refugees in Australia, we are writing to draw attention to the situation of Afghan refugees who are living in Pakistan and facing imminent deportation. [...] In addition, we ask that the Australian Government prioritise the processing of visas to Afghan nationals who are in Pakistan and whose visas to stay there have expired. [...] The Refugee Council of Australia is alarmed by reports of the Pakistani Government ordering the forcible and violent deportation of Afghan refugees. [...] Use diplomatic pressure to urge the Pakistani Government to stop the forced return of Afghan refugees; provide Afghan refugees with a means of regularising their legal status and accessing basic services without discrimination; and provide exit permits to people who have resettlement pathways but who are currently In Pakistan without legal status. [...] We encourage the Government to continue its constructive engagement with members of the Afghan diaspora in Australia and welcome every opportunity to discuss the points raised in this letter.