The federal government won’t confirm if more than 19 Commonwealth Games athletes have overstayed their visas but insists they will be rounded up and deported.

Some refugee advocates claim more than double this number could be missing, with many claiming they need protection from persecution back in Africa.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tells Ray Hadley, the missing athletes won’t be able to game the system.

“There’s an operation underway at the moment Ray. Whether it’s Olympic Games in Sydney, Commonwealth Games or whether there’s a big conference we get people who overstay.

“Border Force will seek these people out and the thing people should remember is there will be a three-year ban put in place stopping people to come back if they’re staying outside their visa conditions.

“So it’s in their best interests to contact the Australian Border Force now but ABF will be rounding these people up and deporting them as quickly as possible.

“Like most Australians, I shake my head sometimes when you look at the conditions and protections. Some of these people have more legal rights than Australian citizens themselves.”

Click PLAY below to watch Peter Dutton’s strong stance on the missing athletes

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