Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato sain PNG does not have laws to protect Papua New Guineas who seek asylum in ther countries.
Mr. Pato said nothing of this nature has been incorporated inthe deal signed with Australia as well.
Last weekend a Papua New Guinea man was alleged to be amongst ther asylum seekers found heading from Torres Strait to Australia. The Australia Immigration department said medical and identity checks have been carrlied out; howeverthey have refused to release his identity.
The minister was also not sure whther this man will be processed inthe Manus asylum centre after undergoing medical and identity checks in Australia.
He saidthe deal covered those seeking asylum in Australia. There was no special exemption given to Papua New Guineas.
The minister said government and even himself never thought Papua New Guineas would seek asylum in ther countries inthe world.
The Australian High Commission in PNG confirmed thatthe man was among ther asylum seekers heading to Australia from Torres Strait Islands.
Australia'’s National Communications Department of Immigration & Citizenship would not release information onthe whereabouts of individual clients; however,they will havetheir claims for refugee status determined underthe current regional resettlement arrangements.
The minister said he has not received any official report; however, this matter will not be overlooked.
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