Tamil Asylum Seeker Dies by Self-Immolation in Melbourne

Mano Yogalingam, a 23-year-old Tamil asylum seeker, tragically died after setting himself on fire in Melbourne‘s south-east. This incident has raised significant concerns among refugee advocates regarding the impact of Australia’s refugee policies.

Mr. Yogalingam arrived in Australia from Sri Lanka in 2013 and had spent over a decade on a bridging visa. His claim for refugee status had previously been rejected, and he was in the process of appealing this decision at the time of his death.

Emergency services responded to the incident at a skate park in Noble Park on Tuesday night, where Mr. Yogalingam was found with life-threatening injuries. Despite being transported to The Alfred Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The Tamil Refugee Council expressed that the prolonged period on a bridging visa contributed to Mr. Yogalingam’s mental distress. This death marks the second loss within a month, prompting calls from advocates for the government to reassess its treatment of asylum seekers.

Friends and advocates have participated in protests seeking to highlight the urgent need for policy reforms. They emphasized the uncertainty faced by many asylum seekers living in limbo, urging the government to provide pathways to permanent residency.

Rathy Barthlote, a friend of Mr. Yogalingam, described him as energetic and kind, and expressed disbelief that such a tragic event could happen to someone so strong.