Australian High Commissioner to Dhaka Greg Wilcock said no asylum-seeker who comes by boat without a visa will ever be allowed to settle in Australia.
He came up with the declaration while addressing a press briefing at his Dhaka residence on Monday.
He said: “Under the new arrangement signed with Papua New Guinea – the Regional Settlement Arrangement – unauthorised arrivals will be sent to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for assessment and if found to be a refugee will be settled there.”
“The Australian government, in partnership with the PNG government, will support settlement services for those with refugee status, as safe and appropriate accommodation and services are identified,” he added.
Replying to queries, he said some 1,000 people tried to reach Australia by boat since July 19. The newcomers would be treated under the new arrangement.
