Thousands of Hong Kong citizens in Australia have been offered visa extensions of up to five years following a crackdown on personal freedoms by China. But there are no guarantees those fearful of returning will be allowed to stay in Australia.
It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "very actively" considering offering a, as the United Kingdom has done, because Australia was "prepared to step up and provide support".
However, Mr Tudge could not guarantee those fearful of returning to Hong Kong when their visas expired would not be automatically accepted. He said there was a "pathway to permanent residency" for visa holders if they passed the assessments, which are mandatory for all visas issued by Australia.
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