Detainees returned to Indonesia
Sunday, 16 December 2007
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today confirmed a group of 16 Indonesians detained on Christmas Island has been returned to Indonesia.
'Returning these people to Indonesia is in line with the Australian Government’s firm but fair approach to the orderly migration of people to Australia,' Senator Evans said.
A charter aircraft transferred the group with government escorts, landing in Jakarta early yesterday evening.
'This group did not engage Australia’s protection obligations under the Refugees Convention,' the minister said.
'People from other countries do not have a right to stay here just on the basis they would be economically better off.'
The minister said the International Organization for Migration would be responsible for the group’s resettlement in Indonesia.
The Royal Australian Navy rescued the three families, from Roti, from a wooden boat 650km west of Darwin on November 20.
They were transferred to Christmas Island on November 25 for assessment and were subsequently detained in the community after health checks and Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) interviews were completed.
DIAC worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Indonesian Government to arrange the group’s return.
'The Australian Government provided support for the group to reach their final destination,' Senator Evans said.
'I would like to extend a thank you to the Indonesian Government for its continued cooperation on immigration issues,' the minister added.URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2007/ce07003.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST