Federal Court Chief Justice Alan Diner says a surge in immigration-related cases has created workloads he describes as unmanageable, prompting some court staff to work weekends and take vacations less than usual to keep up with matters.
Diner links the pressure to a large rise in immigration cases over the past six years. The Federal Court has jurisdiction over multiple types of immigration disputes, including visa applications, refugee claims, admissibility decisions and removals, which can increase the volume and complexity of filings. Outlets report that the court is adjusting staffing practices to maintain case progress, reflecting operational strain rather than a single procedural change.
While the coverage centers on staff working extra hours, it also places the issue in the broader context of a growing immigration caseload reaching the federal judiciary. The accounts align that immigration matters are driving the increased demand and that the chief justice is raising concerns about the capacity of the court system to handle the pace of cases without extended off-cycle work.
