Australian Parliament Advances Controversial Migration Law Overhaul

The Albanese government pushes through sweeping migration reforms, drawing criticism over human rights concerns and potential family separations.

The Australian government has consolidated three migration bills into a single package, expected to pass the Senate with Coalition support.
The legislation allows deportation of non-citizens to third countries, with Australia paying those nations to accept deportees, raising safety and human rights concerns.
New measures include travel bans on countries that refuse to accept deportees and penalties of up to five years in prison for non-citizens who do not cooperate with deportation orders.
The reforms give authorities power to confiscate mobile phones from immigration detainees, a move criticized for cutting off communication and transparency within detention centers.
Advocates and human rights groups have condemned the laws as extreme and harmful, warning of devastating impacts on refugees, families, and vulnerable communities.