FED: Asylum seekers to be processed offshore

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
FED: Asylum seekers to be processed offshore

SYDNEY, April 13 AAP - Asylum seekers who land on mainland Australia will be moved
offshore for processing under tough new laws to be announced today.

The new rules, signed off by cabinet's National Security Committee yesterday, will
mean every asylum seeker's claim is treated as though it were lodged offshore, adding
the applicant to the global queue.

Previously if an asylum seeker were to land on the mainland, the law deemed them to
be in Australia and subject to Australia's refugee review process.

Instead, every applicant will now be treated the same, The Australian newspaper reports.

The moves are designed to stem the flow of Papuan asylum seekers, and act as an olive-branch
to Indonesia, pouring oil over troubled diplomatic waters.

The tough changes do not contravene Australia's international treaty obligations.

AAP ajc/jas

KEYWORD: ASYLUM

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