Tamil asylum seeker dies following self-immolation in Australia

by admin
Aug 30, 2024

 

Tamil asylum seeker Mano Yogalingam has died from self-immolation in Dandenong, Australia, having waited 12 years for a permanent visa.

Tamil asylum seeker Mano Yogalingam has died from self-immolation in Dandenong, Australia, having waited 12 years for a permanent visa.

The 23 year old set himself alight on Tuesday night and suffered burns to 80 percent of his body. Yogalingam succumbed to his injuries at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Tamil Refugee Council (TRC) reported that Yogalingam was from Puttalam and fled the island at the age of 11 with his family following threats from the Sri Lankan military. The family arrived in Australia by boat from India in 2012 where he was detained for several months.

For the last 12 years, Yogalingam has been on a bridging visa, a short term visa that must be renewed. He had previously applied for refugee status but this was rejected under Australia's "fast-track" system. 

Photograph courtesy of Tamil Refugee Council 

Yogalingam’s death comes as asylum seekers have been camping outside the Department of Home Affairs for over 45 days to protest the Australian government’s immigration policy. Yogalingam who was also in attendance at the protests, was amongst many that were calling on the Australian government provide asylum seekers with permanent visas.

Speaking to Tamil Guardian, TRC's spokesperson Renuga Inpakumar said: 

"Mano, a 23 year old Tamil was in fear of being deported. Mano was just 23 years old. He would come to the 24/7 action everyday and help everyone. 

He felt he had nothing to live for because of the harsh Australian migration laws. This is the life of refugees who have been in limbo for 14 years. We will remember Mano and the many refugees who died due to suicide for the past 14 years because of the harsh immigration laws. We will not give up this fight for permanent visas. We will carry the legacy of refugees who have been victim to these laws."

ABC News reported when they contacted Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for a comment,  a Home Affairs spokesperson said “for privacy reasons, the department cannot comment on individual cases.”

A vigil was held yesterday at the protest site to commemorate Yogalingam’s death and continue calls for the Australian government to issue permanent visas to asylum seekers who are stuck in limbo and have no certainty about their futures in Australia. 

 

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