Five individuals from Senegal were apprehended while trying to enter Australia illegally by boat through Papua New Guinea. The men, who reportedly used false travel documents, were intercepted on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. Authorities are investigating the involvement of two Papua New Guinean nationals in the trafficking of these individuals.
The Australian Border Force has confirmed that the men are currently in custody on Saibai Island and are undergoing necessary health assessments. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of irregular movements of people in the region, with specific focus on illegal border crossings.
The unique treaty that allows visa-free travel between Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait, established to acknowledge traditional relationships, was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. Although travel restrictions have been implemented, incidents like these underscore the importance of border security measures in the region to prevent illegal entries.