More Mideast immigrants detained

More Mideast immigrants detained

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A total of 81 illegal immigrants,
who claim to originate from the Middle East and Iraq, have been
arrested on their way to Australia, a police officer said on
Wednesday.

Kupang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Williardi Wizard told
reporters that 67 of the immigrants were arrested on Monday in
Sabu, in Raijua district, when their boat was forced to dock
after sustaining a leak during a storm.

Later on Monday, 14 Iraq nationals were detained in the
seaport of Nusa Lontar shortly after disembarking from the
Dobonsolo ship which transported them from Sulawesi.

Kupang has often been used as a transit point for illegal
immigrants en route to Australia. They mostly use traditional or
fishing boats to reach Australia, a trip which normally takes
them two days.

Data from the East Nusa Tenggara police revealed that between
January and June this year, 318 illegal immigrants had been
arrested. (30)