Asylum seekers arriving by boat not to be settled in Australia, says premier

ANKARA (AA) - Australia's new prime minister said on Monday that his government had no plans to change the country's refugee policy and that asylum seekers arriving by boat would not be allowed to become residents.

Speaking at a news conference in Melbourne, Anthony Albanese said Australia's Operation Sovereign Borders system remained in place, according to a statement released by his office.

"People arriving by boat will not be settled here. Very clearly, our system is in place of Operation Sovereign Borders. People smugglers seek to trade in misery," Albanese said.

His statement came after a Sri Lankan refugee intercepted by authorities on a boat bound for Australia said smugglers were telling people in Sri Lanka that the Albanese government was refugee-friendly and allowing asylum seekers to enter the country.

"We will be strong on borders without being weak on humanity. But we will be strong when it comes to our borders. We will do as Australia has done for a long period of time," he added.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday to discuss the illegal transportation of people by smugglers through sea routes.

"We understand that there are issues in Sri Lanka and that the wrong messages are being given by people smugglers. Our message will be very clear," said the prime minister.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid