Australia, Iran said negotiating deal to return 9,000 Iranian migrants
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 March 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Australia, Iran said negotiating deal to return 9,000 Iranian migrants, 9 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdfc6c.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 09, 2016
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif is reportedly negotiating a deal with Australia for the return of nearly 9,000 Iranian migrants.
Australia hopes to send nearly 9,000 Iranian migrants back to their homeland under a new deal with Tehran, Australian media reported on March 9.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was reported to be negotiating an agreement with her counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, to end Tehran's longstanding refusal to accept the return of Iranian asylum seekers.
Under the repatriation agreement expected to be signed by Zarif when he visits the Australian capital, Canberra, on March 15, Australia would secure guarantees from Iran that Iranians who returned home would not be persecuted or punished.
The deal was reported to cover almost 9,000 Iranian asylum seekers, including about 400 in Australian-funded immigration centers on Pacific islands.
Most live in Australia. It is not clear how many of them are genuine refugees who could not be sent back to Iran, but Australia regards the majority to be economic migrants seeking better jobs, rather than refugees.
Australia has refused to resettle them while Iran refuses to take them back.
The new agreement would reflect Tehran's determination to improve relations with the West in the wake of last year's landmark nuclear accord.
Based on reporting by AP, The West Australian, and Sky News
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
