Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Sydney City Hall to demand permanent visas for refugees and asylum seekers with temporary visas, the Australian Associated Press reported.

Demonstrators held placards reading "Freedom for refugees," "Born here but not perceived as a citizen," and "Permanent visas for all."

Sunday's rally comes 12 days after more than 1,500 refugees protested on the front lawn of Parliament in Canberra.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said over 19,000 people are living in Australia on temporary protection or business visas.

Another 10,000 people were denied visas and are living on temporary bridging visas, he said.