How many countries are closer to Afghanistan and Iran than Australia? I would estimate about 60 or 70 (and about 1/3rd of those countries would be Muslim).
So why don't these people go to those other countries if they are so desperate and persecuted? I will give you my answer.
1. Australia is seen as a soft touch (this has changed in the last few months as even Labor has toughened things up) but they know if they go to those other countries they will get nothing - no asylum, no government benefits. So if Australia is so bad then how would you rate these other 60 or 70 countries?
2. Australia has a strong economy - it is a well know fact that there is very little political persecution in Iran, these people are simply looking to go to a place that has a better economy and greater prospects for their future = economic immigrants.
