The Australian Government welcomes the announcement from the Government of Papua New Guinea that it will soon commence refugee settlement following approval by the National Executive Committee for the National Refugee Policy.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the policy paved the way for settlement in PNG of persons found to be refugees who had been transferred under the Regional Resettlement Arrangement (RRA).

“This is delivering on the intentions of the RRA, consistent with the spirit of partnership that exists between our two countries”.

“The Australian Government is committed to continuing to support the PNG-led arrangements under the RRA.

“Consistent with the RRA, persons transferred to PNG, who are found to be refugees, will be resettled in PNG. No-one will be resettled in Australia,” Mr Dutton said.

“The PNG Government has shown with this announcement its commitment to permit those found to be refugees to get on with their lives and have a fresh start in this dynamic nation with a growing economy.”​