Eight Lankans get Aussie visa

2 April 2010 02:08 am

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship says 41 visas have been granted to asylum seekers, including eight refugees from Sri Lanka, found to be eligible for Australian protection under the refugee convention, ABC News reported.

The visas of 36 men and one woman, who are currently on Christmas Island, will come into effect today. Eight of the refugees are from Sri Lanka, 27 are from Afghanistan, and two are from other countries.

A family of four is also being transferred from Christmas Island to transit accommodation in Melbourne while their immigration processing continues.

A department spokesman said 12 Indonesian crew members are also being transferred from Christmas Island to Darwin while Australian Federal Police investigations continue into alleged people smuggling.