Tribunal found that the applicant could safely relocate within India, including to major cities such as Delhi or Mumbai, where there was no evidence of ongoing threat.

“The main thing is what you say. You just have to tell them, ‘I am gay and it is my reality.’ There is no other way.”

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has pledged to deport up to 65,000 visa overstayers as part of a sweeping overhaul of Australia’s immigration system, warning that student and asylum pathways are being “exploited”.

Letters seen by media outlets warn some applicants that they “must leave Canada as soon as possible” if found ineligible, or risk facing a deportation order.

Services Australia officials confirmed that the men remain subject to bail conditions but are free to live in the community.

“Trying to exploit Australia’s Protection visa system is a BIG FAIL, especially if you apply using false or misleading information”

Lodging an appeal allows applicants to remain in Australia while their case is under review — sometimes for years — even when their claims ultimately fail.

The individuals had arrived under Operation Allies Refuge or Operation Allies Welcome during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Australia’s world-class settlement services and not-for-profit organisations have played a key role in helping refugee and humanitarian entrants settle in Australia."

Number of rejected asylum seekers remaining in the country has surged past 100,000 for the first time.