ID :
40903
Thu, 01/15/2009 - 21:14
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/40903
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THIRTY-THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN NTT REFUSE TO BE DEPORTED
Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Jan 15 (ANTARA) - Some 33 illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar arrested by East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) police last year have refused to be deported and asked for asylum in Australia, a local immigration official said.
"They asked for asylum in Australia and refugee status to qualify for protection by the UNHCR. But we have not met their wishes and have detained them until now," deputy chief of the detention center of NTT's immigration office, Benyamin Tulasi, said here on Thursday.
The asylum-seekers were arrested by NTT police when they were trying to sail to Australia illegally in August and December last year.
Eighteen of the 33 illegal immigrants escaped in a boat early on Wednesday but their boat sank in the Pukuafu Strait on their way to Australia.***5***
"They asked for asylum in Australia and refugee status to qualify for protection by the UNHCR. But we have not met their wishes and have detained them until now," deputy chief of the detention center of NTT's immigration office, Benyamin Tulasi, said here on Thursday.
The asylum-seekers were arrested by NTT police when they were trying to sail to Australia illegally in August and December last year.
Eighteen of the 33 illegal immigrants escaped in a boat early on Wednesday but their boat sank in the Pukuafu Strait on their way to Australia.***5***
