Forty-three Papuans were granted visas earlier this year [File photo].
Last Update: Tuesday, October 3, 2006. 6:34pm (AEST)

Talk of Papuan asylum seeker influx worries Howard

Prime Minister John Howard says he is concerned by suggestions by a pro-independence Papuan leader that preparations are under way for an exodus of asylum seekers from the Indonesian province to Australia.

Forty-three Papuans were granted visas earlier this year, prompting diplomatic tensions between Australia and Indonesia.

Edison Waromi helped the group reach Australia and says the journey was planned to bring attention to their push for independence.

Mr Howard says he has discussed the issue with Immigration Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone.

"I'm not going to have the system manipulated by anybody and I believe the Australian people will have the same view," he said.

"We have an orderly refugee program and if people are trying to manipulate the system then it will mean very closer scrutiny of any asylum applications in the future."