Refuge seekers who perpetrated criminal offenses in confinement are to be denied permanent visas. This is believed to be a return to the temporary protection visas of the Howard government which was abandoned by the Rudd government in 2008.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen perceives that in the challenge of riots on Christmas Island and at Villawood in Sydney, temporary visas are imperative in dealing with those convicted of crimes such as arson.

"If you are a legitimate refugee who has behaved themselves according to the law and according to the expectations of the community, then you would be granted a permanent visa. If not, you will be granted a visa with fewer rights, “Bowen said.

Bowen declared that the change entails more difficult permanent protection visa acquisition for those who will involved in any criminal behavior.
Sarah Hanson-Young, spokesperson of Greens immigration, says “The Government came to power saying temporary protection visas did not work and were inhumane.”

Senator Hanson-Young believes that the problem lies in mandatory detention for refuge seekers. In addition, she sees the government as responsible to deal with such issues to resolve the ever growing unrest and anxiety in the community.

"It comes back to long-term detention, indefinite detention, a lack of understanding and information to people who are in detention and, of course, locking up of children," she said.

Bowen also proclaimed amendments to the Migration Act where in the "character test" would be strengthened so any detainee convicted of criminal action would automatically fail and be denied a permanent protection visa.

Bowen explains further that his authority to refuse visas to refuge seekers is presently subject to legal dispute and can be contested in the courts.