Plenty of help for refugees
Letter to the Editor - Armidale Express
11 September 2006
Dear Sir/Madam,
Your report on Australia's humanitarian programme (Sanctuary Saves, 30 August 2006) needs clarification, as this country's support for refugees is something of which we can all be proud.
Australia ranks consistently in the top three resettlement countries in the world under a humanitarian programme that has two categories for applicants overseas: refugee and special humanitarian programme (SHP).
Refugees are people subjected to persecution in their home country and have a strong need of resettlement. Australia works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to identify those refugees most in need of resettlement.
For refugees, the Australian Government fully funds medical checks and travel to Australia. They also receive the full range of settlement services on arrival.
In 2005-06, Australia resettled 6022 refugees and 8100 people under the SHP.
People who are granted SHP visas are in refugee-like situations. They have been subjected to substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of their human rights and have been assessed as being in need of resettlement. SHP visa holders must have the support of a proposer, who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an Australian organisation such as the Sanctuary group.
SHP entrants have their medical checks funded by the Australian Government, and also receive some settlement services.
While the Australian Government does not fund their travel costs, no interest loan scheme is available through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist entrants with travel arrangements.
Organisations such as the Armidale Sanctuary Humanitarian Settlement Group provide valuable support to humanitarian entrants, which complements the range of support provided by the Australian Government through this department.
Yours sincerely
Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs