World

Asylum seekers being moved to mainland

17:43 pm on 3 June 2010

The federal government in Australia plans to transfer all asylum seekers affected by the suspension of refugee processing to mainland detention centres from Christmas Island.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans says about 600 Afghans and 150 Sri Lankans have arrived by boat since the suspension took effect in April.

The ABC reports he says the Government is looking for mainland sites to accommodate them.

Senator Evans says he hopes the improving situation in Afghanisan and Sri Lanka will soon allow the Government to send some of the asylum seekers back.