Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor Tom Huntley
News
'No advantage' test for refugees working: Brendan O'Connor
THE first person to arrive at Manus Island claiming refugee status has abandoned his claim for protection, and returned home to Iraq.
He joins another nine other irregular maritime arrivals who voluntarily returned home in recent weeks, of 44 who left the island this year.
The Iraqi man was transferred to the island on November 8.
Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor said the man's decision was proof the government's "no advantage" test was working.
This was despite recent revelations several detainees on Australia's offshore processing facilities had also recently attempted suicide.
