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Tough new immigration laws passed in Australia

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Tough new immigration laws have been passed in Australia which will enable the Government to fast-track asylum seeker claims and also refuse permanent residency for refugees entering in Australia.

Under the new rules, they will also be able to detain and send back any boats in international waters which would see refugees denied entry to the country.

The laws were passed at the end of last week and is the latest development in a series of tough measures to restrict the opportunities for illegal people smuggling into the country.

According to figures, published in the Financial Times since measures were introduced by the previous government, the number of asylum seekers entering Australia has reduced from 20,000 to just 157.

The fast track system is designed to deal with a backlog of an estimated 30,000 asylum seekers currently waiting for their case to be heard. Refugees will also be offered protection for up to three years, but refused permanent protection by denying them residency.

Campaign groups, including Amnesty International, say that the new laws could see many legitimate asylum seekers being forced to return to their country where their human rights may be violated.