The memorandum of understanding, signed in Canberra on Monday with Vietnam’s public security minister Colonel General To Lam, provides a formal framework for the return of people with no legal right to enter or stay in Australia, including those intercepted at sea.

In a media statement, Mr Dutton said both governments had worked together to return 113 Vietnamese from three vessels intercepted by Australian Border Force since 2015.

“Australia’s borders are stronger than ever and our tough border protection policies are here to stay,” Mr Dutton said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to protecting our borders, stamping out people smuggling and preventing people risking their lives at sea,” he added.

– TiVi Tuan-san