Almost nine years after they first proposed that they would do so, Australia and New Zealand have agreed to resettle 150 refugees for three years from Australia's offshore detention center in Nauru.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews announced the new arrangement jointly with New Zealand Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi under New Zealand's existing refugee quota scheme.
Australian border policy remains strong, Andrews said, and it won't apply to anyone who attempted to enter the country illegally by boat.
“Australia remains firm—illegal maritime arrivals will not settle here permanently. Anyone who attempts to breach our borders will be turned back or sent to Nauru,” Andrews said.
The former prime ministers Julia Gillard and John Key made the offer to Australia in 2013. Faafoi said New Zealand was very pleased that Australia accepted the offer.
“We are pleased to be able to provide resettlement outcomes for refugees who would otherwise have continued to face uncertain futures,” he said.
24 March 2022
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