Cessation of refugee status
Statutory definition
Article 1C of the Refugee Convention provides that refugee status ceases where the person: has re-availed themselves of the protection of their country of nationality; has voluntarily reacquired nationality; has acquired a new nationality and enjoys protection of that country; has re-established themselves voluntarily in the country they left; cannot continue to refuse the protection of the country of nationality because the circumstances have ceased to exist; or, being a stateless person, is able to return to the country of habitual residence because the circumstances have ceased to exist.
Explanation
Cessation can result in the cancellation of a protection visa. The most practically significant ground is "re-availment" — where a protection visa holder travels to the country from which they fled, which may be interpreted as demonstrating that they no longer have a genuine fear of persecution. Protection visa holders should seek legal advice before any travel to their country of nationality. The Department has the power to cancel a protection visa if satisfied that cessation grounds apply.