Fears asylum seekers transferred from Manus to Port Moresby will be 'homeless, destitute'

Dozens of asylum seekers are being transferred from Manus Island to Port Moresby.

Asylum seekers being transferred to Port Moresby.

Asylum seekers being transferred to Port Moresby. Source: Refugee Action Coalition, Getty

Asylum seekers being transferred from Manus Island to Port Moresby are at risk of becoming homeless, destitute and left without proper medical care, according to an advocacy group.

On Wednesday, the Refugee Action Coalition said 44 more asylum seekers were being transferred from Manus to the Papua New Guinea capital under a new offer from local authorities.

Earlier this month,  with the promise they would "continue to receive services like those currently available to them".
The notice posted on Manus Island.
The notice posted on Manus Island. Source: Supplied
Papua New Guinea's Immigration and Citizenship Authority said they would be provided with residential accommodation, health services, vocational training and employment support.

But on Wednesday, the Refugee Action Coalition claimed "the offer was a sham".

"Enquiries by refugees revealed that there were no details of actual accommodation, services or allowance that would be provided in Port Moresby," the group said in a statement.
Asylum seekers being transferred from Manus Island.
Asylum seekers being transferred from Manus Island. Source: Refugee Action Coalition
"Previous transfers from Manus to Port Moresby have left refugees jobless, homeless and destitute with even less access to medical care than they have on Manus Island.

"Ironically, refugees were asked to contact JDA, a service provider already under investigation for rorting its multi-million contract with the Australian government, including allegations that contracted services were not provided to refugees."

And it said 53 asylum seekers "remain incommunicado in the
The East Lorengau Refugee Transit Center on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea.
The East Lorengau Refugee Transit Center on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea (AAP) Source: AAP
Refugee Action Coalition spokesperson Ian Rintoul said: "relocation to Port Moresby will potentially create even worse circumstances for refugees in PNG".

"Relocation from Manus to Port Moresby even risks adding to the danger and insecurity that the refugees have already suffered," he said.

"The refugees need permanent, safe resettlement, but after six years, the government still has no options to provide protection for all those they have kept imprisoned on Manus Island."
Papua New Guinea Minister for Immigration and Border Security Petrus Thomas told the Papua New Guinea Post Courier last week the transfer is a "positive move for these men".

"Living in Port Moresby will enable them an opportunity to make their own personal decisions and move on with their lives."
In an earlier statement to SBS News, the Department of Home Affairs said: "the PNG Government is acting under its own domestic legislation and within its sovereign right."

"The Australian Government is aware that the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority has offered the regional processing cohort on Manus Island the opportunity to transfer to Port Moresby," the statement said.

"The Australian Government supports PNG's efforts to resolve the regional processing caseload through this genuine offer."


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3 min read
Published 29 August 2019 7:14pm
Updated 29 August 2019 8:56pm
By Nick Baker


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