Analysis: What does the Malaysia ruling mean?

Professor Don Rothwell has told SBS the government still has some options it can pursue to get around the High Court decision on the Malaysia asylum swap deal.

Don Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the ANU College of Law, has told SBS the government still has a couple of options it can pursue to get around the High Court decision on the Malaysia asylum seeker deal.

After hearing a challenge to the controversial policy brought by refugee lawyers on behalf of two asylum seekers, the court ruled the plan unlawful.

The court ordered Immigration Minister Chris Bowen and his department be restrained from sending asylum seekers to Malaysia.

Professor Rothwell examines the long-term implications of the decision for any deal on asylum seekers with other countries.

You can also watch this video here.