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Justice Matrix · Case profile

NZYQ v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs [2023] HCA 37

Australia (National)High Court of Australia2023Asia Pacific
FavorableHigh precedentVerified
Strategic issue

What was at stake

Whether indefinite immigration detention of a non-citizen who cannot be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future is within Commonwealth power.

Key holding

What the court decided

Indefinite detention where there is no real prospect of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future is punitive and beyond the power conferred by the Migration Act and the Constitution. Overruled Al-Kateb v Godwin and ordered release. A landmark reversal.

Issue areas

Categories

refugeeasylumnon-refoulementimmigration detentionindefinite detention
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