Processing the refugee applications of hundreds of missing Commonwealth Games athletes could cost the taxpayer millions.
The Senate was told on Monday 205 athletes and officials have applied for protection and other visas, while another 50 have vanished.
Refugee visa processing can cost up to $10,000 per application, meaning the bill could run into the millions.
Processing the refugee applications of hundreds of missing Commonwealth Games athletes could cost the taxpayer millions (pictured are missing athletes)
The Senate was told on Monday 205 athletes and officials have applied for protection and other visas, while another 50 have vanished (pictured is Olivier Matam of Cameroon)
Refugee visa processing can cost up to $10,000 per application, meaning the bill could run into the millions (stock image)
The greatest number of missing athletes come from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana, with other visa applicants from across Africa and the subcontinent.
They include Simplice Fotsala, one of five athletes from Cameroon to go missing along with weightlifters Olivier Matam and Petit David Minkoumba.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, whose department is attempting to find and deport those in Australia immediately, slammed the missing athletes.
‘[Australia] extended hospitality and welcome to these people in good faith,’ Mr Dutton told The Daily Telegraph.
The greatest number of missing athletes come from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana, with other visa applicants from across Africa and the subcontinent (pictured, left, is Simplice Fotsala of Cameroon)
‘Australians hate being taken for a ride by freeloaders … [but] Australia is now obliged under international law to consider these protection visa applications.’
On Monday Home Affairs deputy secretary Malisa Golightly confirmed the majority of the athletes and officials who are yet to leave have applied for protection visas.
Of those given bridging visas, 190 have applied for refugee status while 10 to 15 others have applied for visas in other categories or business purposes.
A total of 8,103 people arrived on visas issued for the Commonwealth Games last month,and 7,848 have since left the country.
The number marks a large increase from the 2006 Melbourne Games, where only 45 people stayed behind afterwards.
They include Simplice Fotsala, one of five athletes from Cameroon to go missing along with weightlifters Olivier Matam and Petit David Minkoumba (pictured)