Australia's government proposes permanent entry ban by boat migrants

Australia's government is proposing to permanently ban entry by asylum seekers sent to Manus Island and Nauru after trying to reach the country by boat. Paul Chapman from Reuters reports. Reporter, Reuters, Paul Chapman <<< New rules proposed by Australia's government would outlaw any applications to enter the country by migrants sent to detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru after arriving by boat. If approved the ban would be permanent. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says it's to deter people smugglers. AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, MALCOLM TURNBULL <<< "They must know that the door to Australia is closed to those who seek to come here by boat with a people smuggler. It is closed."

Up to 3, 000 people on Manus Island, Nauru or in Australia undergoing medical checks could be affected by the proposed legislation. Ministers say it wouldn't apply to anyone under the age of 18 when they arrived at destinations designated as regional processing countries.