Australia will relocate 25 of the last 27 asylum seekers from its off-shore camp on Nauru, which was set up for migrants trying to enter the country.
In the past four years, more than 1,200 people, mostly Iraqis and Afghans, have been kept on the island under the Pacific Solution immigration policy.
Of the 27 currently in the camp, 13 will soon fly to freedom in Australia after being granted refugee status. Another 12 will be kept in custody in camps around Australia until their cases are resolved, reports the BBC.
Australian officials said the last two in the camp are considered security risks and would eventually be deported.
Prime Minister John Howard noted the Nauru camp is an important part of his government's immigration policy and would stay open.
The Australian government says the policy has helped reduce the migrant flow to a trickle.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
