The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Sydney

Australia will deport 16 Indonesians who sought asylum as economic refugees after being picked up from a leaking fishing boat last month, the government said Friday.

The three families, including 10 children, came from the Indonesian island of Roti, where fishermen have blamed an Australian crackdown on illegal fishing for destroying their livelihoods.

But Immigration Minister Chris Evans said his department had found the rescued group did not require protection under Australia's refugee obligations.

"On the information provided, my department is satisfied that they have not raised issues which might engage Australia's protection obligations," he said.