CANBERRA, Australia, April 9 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has suspended asylum applications for immigrants from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Rudd said his decision was based on an improvement in the security situation in both countries, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Under the new policy, asylum seekers from Sri Lanka will be held on Christmas Island for three months before their applications are dealt with, while Afghans will have to wait at least six months.
''The combined effect of this suspension and the changing circumstances in these two countries will mean that more asylum seekers from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be refused,'' Rudd said. ''The government's view is simple: if someone's claim for asylum is not legitimate they'll be sent home.''
Amnesty International said Australia's decision could have an unfortunate ripple effect among other countries in the region. The group said the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is still evaluating the situation in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
"This decision is outrageous. Sadly, it appears that the Australian government is now attempting to override the rights of the most vulnerable," said Sam Zarifi, Asia Pacific director at Amnesty International.
