Dozens of migrants have reportedly arrived by boat in a remote area of Western Australia, triggering a political dispute over the country’s zero-tolerance border protection policies. Around three dozen foreign nationals were discovered by locals walking in separate groups along the coast in the northwestern Dampier Peninsula, according to national broadcaster ABC.
Residents described challenging conditions, with some migrants appearing dizzy and unsteady due to the hot weather. The individuals, reportedly from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, were photographed resting in a park, and one indicated plans to seek asylum, according to ABC reports.
The Australian Border Force confirmed an operation in northwest Australia but provided no further details, emphasizing the country’s strict border protection policies that prevent unauthorized boat arrivals from settling permanently in Australia.
Australia’s stringent policies, implemented over a decade ago, involve turning back boats and sending migrants to offshore processing centers on Pacific islands like Manus and Nauru. While effective in reducing attempted ocean crossings, these measures have faced criticism from human rights groups.
The recent arrivals prompted accusations from the opposition, claiming that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government’s perceived weakness on migration encouraged people smugglers. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the prime minister, stating, “The fact is that we’ve got a weak prime minister when it comes to our borders. He’s allowed this boat through.”
Albanese responded by emphasizing a commitment to not politicizing national security issues and refrained from discussing specific operational details. The situation remains fluid, with an Air Nauru plane observed at Broome International Airport, although it is unclear if any migrants were aboard.