Jimmy_041 wrote:Does the Convention state whether an intended refugee can choose where they want to claim status?
Don't get me wrong - I actually believe in allowing more refugees, but I have no pity for queue jumpers that think they have any rights at all.
Here's a thought: bp2 and I talk to our Govt friends about beefing up the overseas "processing" assets to halve the waiting time for those that do the right thing and wait their turn, and how about if we were to double our "legitimate" intake (those who apply properly).
Would the Govt be able to take some moral high ground about their tough stance on the queue jumpers (which I believe is supported by the majority of Australians) or would the vocal minority still want anyone who tries to enter this country to be awarded refugee status?
BTW, anyone who overstays their visa should be deported whether they claim status or not. They lied to get in, they can suffer the consequences.
Dear Jimmy,
I would love to see a lot more asylum seekers enter Australia as well. I fully support you on that. However, what is 'doing the right thing'? There is no access to 'refugee camps' for people coming by boat. There is no such thing in their country or in neighbouring countries for them to go to. So, what are they supposed to do?? Travel to Africa?? Even when they get there, there is no 'process' which asylum seekers go through. Those who manage to come to Australia from refugee camps are not sent in order of arrival in the camp. I can only support your viewpoint if we allow those from refugee camps to be 'processed' in order of arrival. However, as you well know, this does not happen.
What I would like to see happen is 'processing centres' be established in Indonesia so that asylum seekers do not HAVE to travel by boat, taking their life into their own hands. By the way, when you say they pay a lot of money, they pay little. The average amount is less than $2 000 and this is normally put together by a family community to send ONE member out. On average, each person contributes about $100.
Cheers