Fed: Ruddock to take another attempt to stop illegal immigration

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-1999
Fed: Ruddock to take another attempt to stop illegal immigration

The federal government is preparing to unveil new measures to crack down on the people
smuggling trade, just one day after saying it did all it could to stop illegal immigrants.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK will tomorrow announce the government's next steps
in its international campaign against people smuggling.

It is likely to include an announcement that Mr RUDDOCK will visit the Middle East
some time next month to try to stop people from that region trying to enter Australia
illegally.

The move comes after Customs Minister AMANDA VANSTONE yesterday said she believed the
government could do nothing more to stem the flow of boat people arriving in Australia.

Mr RUDDOCK has said the government cannot stop people who have the resources, such
as many of those from the Middle East, from trying to enter Australia unlawfully.

But he says by limiting refugee visas for illegal immigrants to three years, the government
has withdrawn the attraction of permanent residency.

AAP RTV daw/wz/jn

KEYWORD: BOAT RUDDOCK (CANBERRA)

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