Fed: Rescued Indonesians not granted refugee status and returned home

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2007
Fed: Rescued Indonesians not granted refugee status and returned home

A group of Indonesians .. rescued from the Timor Sea last month .. has failed to gain
refugee status.

The men .. women and children have been sent home after being detained on Christmas Island.

The Royal Australian Navy rescued the three families from their sinking wooden boat
on November 20.

The Indonesians were suffering financial hardship from a crackdown on illegal fishing
in Australia's northern waters.

But Immigration Minister CHRIS EVANS says being poor isn't a reason to be granted refugee status.

AAP RTV mj/ibw

KEYWORD: BOAT (CANBERRA)

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