Refugee Claimants

Refugee Claimants

Who are refugee claimants?
Refugee claimants, or asylum seekers are people who fearing persecution in their country of origin have managed to come to Australia and lodge an application with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs to be recognized as a refugee in the hope of gaining protection from the Australian Government.

What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?
There is an important difference between refuges and asylum seekers. An asylum seeker is someone who is seeking international protection, but whose claim for refugee status has not yet been determined.
A refugee is someone who has already been recognized as a refugee according to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees.

Are asylum seekers illegal?
It is legal to seek protection in Australia from persecution in one’s home country, because Australia, unlike many South East Asian nations, is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Asylum seekers are NOT illegal immigrants, regardless of whether they are arrive by plane or boat. The Refugee Convention distinguishes between asylum seekers and other immigrants because it acknowledges that asylum seekers are in an emergency situation and must leave their country immediately for fear of persecution.

How can we help refugee claimants?
We know no one chooses to be an asylum seeker and that is why we are there to support you when and where it matters when times are tough. We will do our best to give you honest free advice, emotional support, information and referral, some limited material support, food, computer skills and assistance with skills for finding accommodation, employment and healthcare.

For refugees outside Australia
You may be visiting this website because you are a refugee yourself, looking for help to get to Australia. The Refugee Claimants Support Service is a small community organisation, not part of the Australian Government. We only work with asylum seekers in Queensland and are unable to assist refugees outside Australia. We are not able to assist refugees outside Australia with obtaining the necessary papers and travel documents. We do not sponsor individuals with passage to Australia.