SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Almost 1500 bound for PNG

Almost 1500 new asylum seekers are bound for PNG under the Rudd government's new hardline border protection policy.

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Close to 1500 asylum seekers have arrived aboard 18 boats since the Rudd government announced its tough new border policy to resettle them in Papua New Guinea.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare detailed the latest boat arrival on Wednesday.

HMAS Maryborough helped 102 passengers and two crew members aboard a suspected asylum seeker boat north of Christmas Island on Tuesday.

They have been transferred to Christmas Island for health checks.

The federal government announced on July 19 plans to process asylum seekers and resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

A spokesman for Mr Clare confirmed that so far 1452 asylum seekers would be subject to the new arrangements.

The first group of asylum seekers was expected to arrive on Manus Island on Wednesday but that was delayed because of bad weather.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Immigration refused to provide further details on when the trip would be rescheduled.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world