The Federal Opposition has warned of an “armada” of illegal boat arrivals, after Labor confirmed plans to change visa rules for a group of asylum seekers living in Australia.

Around 19,000 asylum seekers who have been living in Australia on a temporary protection visa since before 2013 will now be able to apply for permanent residency.

Federal politics reporter Michael Pachi said it was an election promise from Anthony Albanese.

“These 19,000 people arrived in Australia not necessarily illegally because Operation Sovereign Borders was not in place when they arrived,” he said.

“They were given what’s called temporary protection visas, and so essentially they have been on these TPV’s and they haven’t had enough certainty around their lives.”

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews argued the move dismantles Australia’s border policy, and will encourage people smugglers to ramp-up their trade.

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