11 September 2001 Media Statement

Media asked to be considerate of Tampa asylum seekers

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel today urged media to be mindful of the traumatic circumstances that asylum seekers from the Tampa, had experienced, before their expected arrival in the next few days.

"Preparations are well in hand to receive around 145 asylum seekers from the Tampa. We are still uncertain about when these people will arrive, but they will be accommodated at the Mangere Reception Centre, while their claims for refugee status are processed.

"This is an opportunity to remind media that they have been asked not to photograph or film the asylum seekers as this kind of identification could place them at risk or or affect their claims for refugee status.

"I urge media to be patient and wait until the claims have been processed before making requests for media interviews."

ENDS

© Scoop Media