Australian opposition calls for gov't to lift suspension on Afghan asylum seekers

Australian Opposition on Wednesday said the party will seek the support of parliament to call on the federal government to immediately lift the suspension on the processing of Afghanistan asylum seekers.

While the six-month suspension, introduced in April this year, is likely to be lifted when the government reviews the policy next week, the coalition wants to bring on a debate on the issue.

According to Australia Associated Press, a motion, to be moved by opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison, is likely to have the support of the Australian Greens who do not support the suspension policy.

On Tuesday, Governor-General Quentin Bryce addressed the new Parliament on its opening day, and has outlined the Labor Party's agenda in coming days, which included the importance of national security and it's asylum seekers issue.

"The government will also focus on protecting Australia's borders, discouraging asylum seekers to make dangerous journeys to the country by boat, while assessing claims efficiently and fairly, " Bryce told reporters in Canberra.

The move by the coalition came as Australia's immigration detention network continues to face problems of overcrowding.

The suspension of processing asylum claims for Afghans was introduced in April along with a freeze on the processing of Sri Lankan asylum seekers.

The three-month suspension for Sri Lankan asylum seekers was lifted in July.

Source: Xinhua