A Fijian detainee at Villawood escaped from the detention centre this morning according to the Australian Department of Immigration.
The man, a Fijian national, broke out from the centre run by security providers Serco at about 4am.
The Sydney Morning Herald said six other men were prevented from leaving by security guards.
The men had either overstayed their visas or had them cancelled for breaching visa conditions.
A spokesman did not provide details of the nature of the escape, but said that his department was calling for a “full investigation and report” into how it occurred and what security arrangements were in place.
The department is working with NSW Police to find the Fijian national.
No description of him would be released as “he is not considered a risk to the community”.
It has been confirmed that the man was being held after having his visa cancelled.
This report from 2GB in Sydney.
Meanwhile, there has been an increased rate of Fijians seeking to stay in Australia as refugees.
A Parliamentary Committee in Canberra has heard that the number of Fijians challenging rejections by Australia’s Immigration Department remained high.
In 2009 to 2010, 559 Fijians in Australia sought protection visas.
Garry Fleming from the Australian Immigration Department said the 2009 2010 approval rate was 16%.
Only 38 Fijians were granted protection after all appeal options were exhausted between 2009-2010.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
Fijian national escapes from detention centre
