2 April 2010 02:08 am
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.