Catholic pilgrims seek asylum in Australia
Updated
A Sydney-based support centre for asylum seekers says about 20 World Youth Day pilgrims have applied for protection in Australia.
They are from a range of countries, including Cameroon, Kenya and Pakistan.
Tamara Domicelj from the Asylum Seekers Centre of New South Wales says there could be more applications when the pilgrims' three month visas expire.
"Any large event in Australia is going to absolutely have in amongst the people who come here those who are seeking protection," she said.
" It's a very clear and known means for people to flee persecution in their country of origin."
A spokesman for Australia's Department of Immigration says he is not able discuss the claims.
