04-04-2013 –
The latest transfer of 20 Vietnamese irregular maritime arrivals to the regional processing centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was completed today.
A Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said the group of single adult males, who departed Christmas Island late yesterday, arrived at the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre (RPC) shortly after 9am AEDST.
In addition, three people – two women and a child – who had previously been accommodated at the Manus Island RPC were returned on the same flight after medical treatment in Australia.
The group was accompanied by detention service provider staff, Australian Federal Police, interpreters and medical staff.
On arrival in PNG, the group – the 12th transfer to PNG and first group of Vietnamese nationals to be transferred to a regional processing country – will undergo local immigration and quarantine clearance processes before being moved into the regional processing centre.
“The completion of this transfer reaffirms the strong message of deterrence for anyone considering risking their lives on dangerous people smuggling boats,” the DIAC spokesman said.
“There will be no advantage for boat arrivals.”
Selection of this group was based on operational considerations and an assessment of their particular circumstances to confirm transfer was appropriate.
Transfers will continue to occur both to Manus and Nauru as part of the policy of regional processing of irregular maritime arrivals.
The Australian Government continues to implement the recommendations of the report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers, whose central principle provides that people choosing to travel to Australia by boat should receive no advantage.
