1267 boat people arrived since PNG deal

More than 1000 asylum seekers are waiting on Christmas Island to be transferred to PNG.

Stop boats, stop deaths: opposition

Authorities have abandoned the search and rescue for an asylum seeker boat which went missing.

The number of asylum seekers arriving by boat since the government announced its hardline resettlement policy more than a week ago has climbed to 1267.

Home affairs Minister Jason Clare released two statements on Saturday evening revealing details of two more boats intercepted on Friday.

One had 94 passengers and two crew on board, while the other was carrying 123 passengers and two crew.

People on both vessels have been taken to Christmas Island for initial identity and health checks before they are transferred to Papua New Guinea.

A spokesman for Mr Clare confirmed a total of 1267 arrivals on 16 boats since the government introduced the new PNG policy on July 19.

Under the federal government's deal with PNG, people arriving by boat will be denied resettlement in Australia, taken to Manus Island for processing and if their refugee status is approved, resettled in PNG.

More than 1000 asylum seekers are already waiting on Christmas Island to be transferred to PNG.

Meanwhile, an independent investigation into riots that burnt down accommodation at the Nauru detention centre and allegations of asylum seekers being raped on Manus Island will be set up this week.


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Source: AAP


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