Illegal immigrants in Australia will no longer be locked up and deported when caught by authorities, in a major softening of immigration procedures by the Rudd government.
According to the Australian media, people who overstay will be invited to an immigration office and could even get temporary bridging visas where immigration officers are required to work with them to get a job and a home.
Immigration officers have been instructed not to detain visa violators unless they are known to be violent criminals or have previously been instructed to leave.
The new directive was issued by Immigration Minister Chris Evans office to immigration officers last week and he said detention would only be used as a last resort.
Aust softens immigration procedures
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