Sunday Times 2
Australia says Iran should take back failed asylum-seekers
View(s):SYDNEY, April 11 (AFP) -Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said today that Iran should take back its citizens who failed in their bids for refugee status, confirming his government will lobby Tehran on the issue.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is expected to raise the deportation of Iranian nationals when she visits Tehran next week, a move which could ease pressure on Australian immigration camps on the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.
“It’s important that those who are found not to be refugees go home,” Abbott told reporters in Sydney.
“And this is where we will be talking to the Iranian government about taking back people who are… Iranian citizens, because they deserve to be in Iran. They belong in Iran.” Refugee advocates say Iran refuses to take back failed asylum-seekers returned against their will, and have raised questions about their safety if they are returned to their homeland.
“Obviously we are looking after those who are found to be refugees,” Abbott said when asked about the possible persecution of Iranians sent home.