Govt closes Manus refugee centre, stops services

THE Government has closed down the controversial Manus refugee processing centre on Manus Island and terminated the service of a major Australian government service provider there as of yesterday.
The Government through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) is also looking at transferring all the remaining refugees to the Port Moresby refugee processing centre and process them from there, with the possibility of allowing some to live in the country if they are willing.
Immigration and Border Security Minister Petrus Thomas said the decision to end the processing centre follows directions from Prime Minister James Marape.
“The decision was accepted by the Australian government and the service provider,” Thomas said.
“I am pleased to advise that ICA is delivering on the prime minister’s direction to end the processing of persons in the Manus province.
“The contract of the lead Australian service provider has now been terminated and this is an immediate response to Prime Minister James Marape’s direction which Australians have listened to and responded to accordingly.”
Thomas said in line with the prime minister’s commitment to end the regional processing, ICA and Australian government officials notified the Australian service provider last month of the intention to move out of Manus.
“In ending the processing on Manus Island, I would like to recognise how the support of the Manus community over the past six years has been critical in delivering regional processing,” Thomas said.
“In their attempt to criticise regional processing, the international media and advocacy groups have inaccurately and unfairly characterised the province as unwelcoming.”