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Australia’s Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, has confirmed ten Chinese nationals in Darwin have decided to seek asylum in Australia.
The group arrived by yacht in Darwin late last week while on their way to claim asylum in New Zealand.
They were warned that sailing across the Tasman Sea would be extremely dangerous.
Mr Bowen says he’s pleased the group has decided to seek asylum in Australia.
“I obviously think that’s a good outcome, as it means they won’t be yet again taking another further dangerous boat journey, we’ll now process them in the normal way, they’ll be processed for their asylum claim, and security checks will begin,” he said.
The Chinese asylum seekers had originally declared their intention of heading to New Zealand on their yacht which is at present in Darwin.
On Wednesday the The Refugee Council of New Zealand called for Australian authorities to extend the visas of the Chinese asylum-seekers. Spokesman Gary Poole said the New Zealand Government has been put in a difficult situation by the Australian Government.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said officials cannot stop the group from setting sail to New Zealand after their temporary visas expire on Saturday because their boat is seaworthy and they have not committed any crime.
However, Poole claims there is something she can do.
“One of the things she does have the power to do is grant them extended visas so it can be negotiated between our Government officials and the Australian government officials to reach a solution that is going to provide for their safety,” he told TV One’s Breakfast on Wednesday.
“It would be completely irresponsible of Julia Gillard to let these women and children particularly to set sail.”
Source
- TVNZ
- Radio Australia
- Image: SBS
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News category: New Zealand.
