Elaborating on the Australian government’s tough border protection measures called ‘Operation Sovereign Borders’, he said it was impossible for anyone coming by boat without a visa to settle in Australia.

He said those risking such a long and dangerous journey were being intercepted and safely removed from Australian waters or sent to another country for regional processing. Kelly said resettlement in Australia would never be an option.

Kelly told the Hindu, “People smuggling is an evil and criminal activity that must be opposed in every form it takes. Such smugglers steal peoples’ money and put their lives in danger”