'As soon as possible': PNG PM demands timeline for closing Manus centre

Papua New Guinea's prime minister is demanding a deadline for ending the offshore processing of asylum seekers on Manus Island.

Refugees on Nauru

Source: AAP

 

Papua New Guinea's prime minister is demanding a deadline for ending the offshore processing of asylum seekers on Manus Island.

Arriving in Australia this weekend for a six-day official visit, James Marape will urge the Morrison government to fix a timeline.

Mr Marape told the A-B-C his country wanted Manus processing ended as soon as possible.

Around 450 asylum-seekers remain in PNG while another 350 are being held on Nauru.

This month marks the sixth anniversary of the Rudd Government's reintroduction of off-shore detention for asylum seekers who arrive by boat.

Meanwhile…     

Greens Senator Nick McKim has been deported from Manus Island  after trying to visit an asylum seeker camp on the island.

The Tasmanian says he was visited by two immigration officials last night [[Thursday]] and ordered to leave.

The senator says he had an official passport and multiple entry visa.

He told SBS News he is yet to be given an official reason as to why he was deported.

PNG immigration has released a statement [[fri]], saying the senator didn't make an official request to visit the centre, and said he demanded entry.

 


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Published 19 July 2019 4:33pm
Updated 19 July 2019 4:37pm
By Hachem El-Haddad
Source: SBS


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