Tragic Death of Tamil Asylum Seeker Raises Concerns Over Australian Immigration Policies

The death of a 23-year-old Tamil asylum seeker, Mano Yogalingam, has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the pressing issues surrounding Australia’s immigration policies. Mano succumbed to his injuries after setting himself on fire, a desperate act that reflects the psychological toll experienced by many asylum seekers in Australia.

Mano, originally from Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat in 2013 with his family, seeking refuge from threats posed by the Sri Lankan military. He had spent over a decade waiting for a decision regarding his visa status, living in the uncertainty of whether he would be forced to return to a country where he feared persecution.

This tragic event occurred after Mano spent weeks protesting outside the Home Affairs offices in Melbourne, advocating for permanent visas for himself and other asylum seekers still living in limbo. His death follows a similar incident earlier in the month, prompting calls for urgent action from the Australian government.

Rathy Barthlote, a spokesperson for the Tamil Refugee Council, expressed deep sorrow over Mano’s death, emphasizing that it underscores the severe mental health challenges faced by asylum seekers under the current immigration system. “His blood is on the hands of the Labor Party,” Barthlote stated, highlighting the prolonged wait times for many refugees.

Mano was a father and a factory worker who demonstrated strong community commitment, often looking out for those around him during his time at the protest encampment. His death has left a significant impact on the Tamil refugee community in Melbourne, which has increasingly voiced its frustrations regarding visa uncertainty and mental health crises.

The Department of Home Affairs has expressed condolences but has refrained from commenting on individual circumstances. Approximately 8,500 individuals, including Mano, remain in a state of uncertainty as they await resolution on their immigration status, a situation that many advocates describe as a “cobweb of cruelty.”