Priya* planned a trip to south-east Asia to escape her abusive husband in Australia. She hoped the getaway would help repair their marriage and allow her to re-enter Australia on a new tourist visa. However, the day before they were due to fly out, her husband left her, sending a break-up text and a warning to leave the country.
With her visa about to expire, Priya felt she had no choice but to leave Australia. Upon reaching Thailand, she flew back to her home country in south Asia. This act, known as exit trafficking, is a form of people trafficking under commonwealth law.
While cases of exit trafficking are under-reported, the Australian federal police received 30 reports last year. These cases involve individuals being tricked, threatened, or forced into leaving the country, often by partners who control their immigration status.
‘Nothing I could do’
Lee*, trafficked out of Australia by her husband, struggled until she connected with services like InTouch for assistance in returning to Australia and obtaining permanent residency.
Support services are crucial for victim-survivors of exit trafficking, who often face challenges in re-entering Australia and rebuilding their lives. Legal aid can provide crucial assistance in navigating visa abuse and obtaining protection.
Visa abuse
Victims like Priya face visa abuse, including threats of visa cancellations and manipulation by their perpetrators. Legal experts advocate for wider provisions to protect temporary visa holders from such abuses.
Protection for temporary visa holders
Ensuring all visa categories have family violence provisions and increasing awareness of rights under Australian law are essential steps in combatting exit trafficking and supporting victim-survivors.
Priya’s journey to permanent residency highlights the importance of legal support and advocacy in helping individuals affected by exit trafficking rebuild their lives.