Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I understand that these are issues which are deeply felt, including by you. Over the last number of years, as I set out in my first response, more than 1,400 visas have been issued since the program began. In terms of applications that have been received in the recent period, 186 visas have been granted since April of this year. There are a number of other locally engaged staff and families who have applied for visas. They are in the process of being certified and assessed, and they will be assisted if they qualify under the regulations. This is a very, very important process. We take it very seriously. We deeply appreciate the support provided to us by Afghani locals both in the context that you have raised and in terms of assistance to the Australian Defence Force. That is why 1,400 visas have been issued since the program began and it is why we are continuing this process as of right now.