Vietnamese detainees returned to Ho Chi Minh City
 

The Australian Government returned 28 illegal maritime arrival (IMA) detainees to Vietnam on Wednesday 23 October, with the flight arriving in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning.

The removal of these detainees to Vietnam is consistent with Australia’s international obligations. Ten of the detainees chose to return voluntarily.

“This latest return operation of IMAs is a further demonstration of the new Australian Government’s determination to implement its policies and sends a strong message that if you arrive by boat, you will not get a visa to remain in Australia,” Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Scott Morrison, said today.

“The new government's border protection policies are the strongest ever implemented in Australia, and are backed up by a fierce resolve to slam the door shut on people seeking to come illegally to Australia by boat,” Minister Morrison said.

More than 1400 people who arrived in Australia by boat have been voluntarily and involuntarily sent home since October 2012.

“The message is clear: people who pay smugglers are risking their lives and throwing their money away,” the minister said. “There is no visa awaiting them; they will not get what they paid for and they will be sent home.”

Voluntary returnees may be helped to resume their lives in Vietnam by a reintegration assistance program. The assistance is available only to those who voluntarily agree to return to their country of origin. People removed involuntarily do not have access to this assistance.
 

Media enquiries:
All enquiries on this matter should be directed to the Operation Sovereign Borders media briefing.

All enquiries about the OSB briefing should be directed to Customs and Border Protection Media: (02) 6275 6793.