Asylum seekers set to be removed from Australia under new deal

The first asylum seekers intercepted since the announcement of Australia’s new transfer arrangement with Malaysia are en route to Christmas Island pending removal to another country.

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said the new arrangement, agreed under the Regional Cooperation Framework, will help put people smugglers out of business, and prevent dangerous sea journeys by those seeking asylum.

The 32 asylum seekers intercepted off Scott Reef last Saturday will be subject to immigration detention law and policy on Christmas Island while awaiting their removal.

“Any asylum seekers arriving as offshore entry persons after last weekend’s announcement will be told that they are being detained at Christmas Island pending removal and that their claims will not be processed in Australia,” Mr O’Connor said.

The Minister said this reinforces the Australian Government’s clear message to would-be people smugglers and asylum seekers that the door is shut on irregular migration to Australia.

“If you set out for Australia by boat to seek asylum, you will not arrive in mainland Australia. You will be intercepted, detained and transferred to another country,” Mr O’Connor said. Asylum seekers transferred from Australia will have to wait their turn to be processed by the UNHCR behind many thousands of other asylum seekers before them.”

“If you are a genuine refugee, there is no guarantee you’ll be resettled in Australia.You may be resettled in any of dozens of countries across the world that are willing to take refugees," he said.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty said, “The Australian Government’s resolve is strong: Australia will continue to take strong action to break the business model for people smugglers.” Ambassador Moriarty said Australia greatly appreciated the efforts of Indonesian authorities to counter people smuggling.

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