Marie Hasler National Immigration Spokesperson

28 September 2001

Security risks of asylum seekers already apparent

The Government clearly already has fears about New Zealand's security with the detention of two people from the second group of asylum seekers to arrive in Auckland, says National's Immigration spokesperson Marie Hasler.

The two young men were taken to Mt Eden Prison earlier today.

"The fact that the Government needed to immediately detain two of the Tampa asylum seekers confirms that we should be concerned about whether all these people are genuine refugees," said Ms Hasler.

"While it is important that New Zealand plays its part in humanitarian causes, the Government has to be honest and acknowledge the risks involved.

"It must be vigilant in its dealings with all asylum seekers, especially those arriving in such unorthodox circumstances," she said.

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