FED: Figures show more boat people are more likely to get visas

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2001
FED: Figures show more boat people are more likely to get visas

A report says illegal immigrants are more likely to get a refugee visa to stay in Australia
than people applying from overseas.

The Sun-Herald newspaper reports nearly 3,000 humanitarian visa were given to Middle
Eastern and Afghani boat people after their arrival in Australia last year.

But the paper says less than half that number were given to Middle Eastern and Afghani
people who applied through Australian embassies overseas.

The figures were reportedly provided to a parliamentary inquiry.

A spokesman for Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says there is a difference in the
numbers because the more refugee visas are granted onshore, the fewer are available for
people overseas.

AAP RTV rk/wz/ge

KEYWORD: BOAT VISAS (SYDNEY)

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