The Facts About Immigration Detention

• There are currently 760 people in immigration detention centres, of whom 149 are housed at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

• There are currently 247 people in alternative detention arrangements and community detention.

• Of the 1007 people in immigration detention:
  • 159 were detained as a result of compliance action – that is, overstaying their visa or breaching the conditions of their visa or having their visa cancelled
  • 67 were unauthorised air arrivals
  • 1 was an illegal foreign fisher
  • 777 were unauthorised boat arrivals
  • 1 was an inadequately documented crew member
  • 2 were detained for other reasons (ship deserters; stowaways etc)
  • 580 have not applied for a protection visa
  • 272 are undergoing a refugee status assessment
  • 53 have been refused a protection visa
  • 102 have applied for protection visas, or a review of a decision in relation to their application for a protection visa.

• The majority of asylum seekers arrive in Australia with a valid visa and live in the community while they pursue their claims.

• There are no children in immigration detention centres.

Figures as at 03 July 2009.
For more information: www.immi.gov.au/managing-australias-borders/detention/about/index.htm