Former Socceroo Captain and Human Rights Expert Craig Foster Umpired a Refugee Soccer Match yesterday

This friendly soccer game was between Tamil and Bangladeshi Refugees who are still waiting for permanent visas from Australia for up to 12 years. 

“Seeking asylum is legal. Refugees are tired of being used as political footballs,” said former Socceroo Captain and human rights advocate Craig Foster at the match. 

These asylum seekers have been part of a 24/7 vigil outside the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Tony Burke’s electoral office in Punchbowl for almost 100 days. The vigil has been comprised of long term asylum seekers from many nations. Most have been sidelined by the Coalition’s Fast Track policy. Labor have yet to put a systematic solution in place. 

The impact of international trends in conservative politics on immigration policies in Australia is regrettable. 

Speaking today Craig Foster added,

“Over a decade without permanence is ridiculous, punitive and unnecessary. I want to remind our millions-strong football community that these communities are our own. They were victims of an unjust and flawed system. It’s time for the Australian government to let them get on with their lives.”

The match was held in Lakemba NSW which is part of Tony Burke’s electorate of Watson.

It is impressive that refugees who work strenuously by day as well as sleep on the noisy street for the vigil have the energy to play soccer so well. 

Some of these same refugees will be attending meetings and a rally in Canberra 19-20 November.

Written by Jane Salmon