Who are the Nadesalingams?
Nadesalingam Murugappan and Priya Nadesalingam, also known as Nades and Priya, fled Sri Lanka to escape persecution faced by Tamils after the Sri Lankan Civil War. Nades arrived in Australia by boat in 2012, followed by Priya in 2013. They met and married in Australia, eventually settling in the small town of Biloela, Queensland. They integrated into the community, with Nades working at the local meatworks and Priya volunteering in community activities. Their daughters, Kopika and Tharunicaa, were born in Australia in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
The Nadesalingams sought asylum in Australia, citing fears of persecution in Sri Lanka. However, the Australian government rejected their claims, asserting that their applications did not meet the criteria for refugee status.
In March 2018, the family was taken from their home in Biloela and placed in detention. This move sparked significant public outcry and led to a protracted legal battle, with numerous appeals aimed at preventing their deportation. Despite strong support from the Biloela community and extensive media coverage deeming them the “Biloela Family”, the government maintained its position on deportation. Their case drew attention to Australia's strict asylum policies and their impact on families.
The Nadesalingams spent significant time in detention, first in Melbourne and then on Christmas Island. Their plight garnered widespread attention, with campaigns and petitions advocating for their right to stay in Australia. The "Home to Bilo" campaign, started by Biloela locals, became a national movement, emphasising the humanitarian aspects of their case and the community's desire for their return to Biloela.
Amid increasing pressure, the Australian government faced calls to resolve the family's situation humanely. Advocates argued that deporting the family would endanger their lives and that their Australian-born children deserved protection.
In June 2021, the family was temporarily relocated to Perth from Christmas Island for medical treatment for Tharunicaa, who faced a serious health issues that were exacerbated on Christmas Island due to a lack of appropriate medical care. While this move did not resolve their legal status, it kept their case in the public eye.
As federal election started to draw near, both the Liberal Party and the Labor party made commitments in relation to whether the Nadesalingams would be given protection in Australia.
In May 2022, following a change in the Australian government following a win by the Labor party, the new administration announced that the Nadesalingam family would be granted bridging visas, allowing them to return to Biloela while their case for permanent residency was considered.
In August 2022, the family received Permanent Residency status.
The Nadesalingam family's story underscores the human impact of immigration and asylum policies. Their case highlights the importance of compassionate considerations in immigration processes and the significant role of community support in advocating for individuals' rights and well-being. The "Biloela family" has become a symbol of the ongoing debate over asylum seekers in Australia, demonstrating the need for a humane and just approach to refugee policies.