Fed: 29 boat survivors denied immediate refugee applications
22 Apr 2009 1:28 AM
Twenty-nine asylum-seekers aboard the boat that exploded at Ashmore Reef last week cannot immediately seek refugee status.
Fairfax newspapers say the 29 men .. mostly Afghans .. were taken to the nearby Front Puffin oil rig .. which was excised from Australian territory under the Migration Act.
But a spokesman for Immigration Minister CHRIS EVANS says 13 others that were taken to Darwin could apply for refugee status and appeal an unfavourable decision.
Fairfax says the ruling .. which comes after the government sought legal advice .. could mean men from the same family will be treated differently.
