Video: Economic hardships behind people smuggling

12 November 2012 08:56 am - 2 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Australian Government today reiterated its stance on illegal immigrants with visiting Australia’s immigration Regional Director (South Asia) Jose Alvarez saying that “Australia will not take people who do not engage in its international obligations”.

When asked for his comments on the possible reasons for the increase in such illegal immigrants he said false advertising by people smugglers who are looking to earn a quick buck was causing the influx.

He said a majority of those who arrived in Australia, from Sri Lanka through illegal means did so, due to economic reasons. “They are economic refugees. Some of them are aware of the fact that they may only be in the country for a short time, but they are under the impression that the income they may earn within this short period may be more than what they could earn if they stayed in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Alvarez said.

When asked whether there was any discrimination between Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese, he said that each case was assessed on its own merit and anyone who did not meet Australia’s international obligations would not be entertained and this assessment was unrelated to the background of the individual. (DS)

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Comments - 2

OMG Tuesday, 13 November 2012 10:42 AM

At last, Jose knows the real reason

All this time he must have been thinking people are taking the boat for a vacation in Australia.

Cancer Monday, 12 November 2012 11:09 AM

Dear Jose, These people pay several thousand dollars to make the trip to Australia. You can not bracket them with people that are suffereing from economic hardship. People suffering from economic hardship are those that can not afford two quare meals a day. Such people can not afford the trip. These illegal immigrants are seeking refuge with ulterior motives that is well known to all.

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Video: Economic hardships behind people smuggling

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