In the wake of recent declarations made by Indonesia that they will delete the names of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from their immigration watch list, Australia seems to be on the back foot even as it fears that pretty soon a new surge of refuge-seeker water-vessels would make its way to their (Australian) shores.

Indonesia has disclosed that they will make visa rules a little easier for the people of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh—the reason being there have been noticeable improvements in the security and economic conditions in both the nations.

The nation in question (Indonesia) made up their mind to lift the restrictions notwithstanding the fact that its Immigration body has branded Sri Lanka–together with Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan–as chief source nations for refuge seekers going to Down Under by vessels. Possibilities also exist that in the future that the names of Pakistan and Afghanistan could also be deleted from the immigration watch list of Indonesia.

Meanwhile and talking about the development, a concerned minister from the Kangaroo Land (Australia) was quoted as saying that they may woo more boat people on their way to Down Under. His observations were seconded by the Opposition chief when he said that nearly all of the vessels arrive from Indonesia. And, in case the future boat arrivals manage to enter Indonesia more easily; there could be something to worry about.

Sharply reacting to such assertions, a government official with Australia Immigration reportedly said that Canberra will continue to keep a tab on the visa arrangements and their effects, and will join hands with Indonesia to positively address any matters.

At the present, over 3,500 listed refugees are present in Indonesia, out of which close to 2,000 are from Afghanistan. So, in case the name of Afghanistan is deleted from the immigration watch list of Indonesia, this number may grow and lead to a situation where in a growing number of refuge seekers is Australia-bound, via sea.