Budget 2010–11—Humanitarian program
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
The Australian Government will continue its commitment to providing refuge for the world's most vulnerable people by again accepting 13 750 people through its humanitarian program in 2010–11.
The overall size of the migration program will also remain unchanged.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today Australia would again welcome 13 750 refugees and others in humanitarian need.
'There will be a total of 6000 places in the refugee program primarily for those who have been referred to Australia for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR],' Senator Evans said.
There will also be 7750 places in the special humanitarian program, which includes people in need who have links to Australia as well as those people who are already in Australia, have sought Australia's protection and have been found to be refugees under the Refugees Convention.
'The main resettlement focus will continue to be on refugees from the three key regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East,' Senator Evans said.
Within those regions, of particular interest will be those refugees in protracted situations, such as the Bhutanese in Nepal, along with others in critical need.
Vulnerable women will again be a priority through the 'woman at risk' program, which the Government increased to 12 per cent of the refugee component of the program last year.
'We will also continue to work closely with neighbouring countries to meet the evolving challenge of increasing numbers of displaced people in our region,' Senator Evans said.
'Where protection and support is needed, Australia will continue to share the responsibility.'
Some people will be resettled in regional locations in Australia where there are employment possibilities and a supportive environment to aid in the settlement process.
'Displacement of people continues to happen around the world and we should be very proud of Australia's history in playing its part in providing refugees with protection,' Senator Evans said.
'The Rudd Government is committed to a humane and fair refugee and humanitarian program. This is something our nation has always done well.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2010/ce03-budget-10.htm
Last update: 11 May 2010 at 19:36 AEST