More refugees depart for US, says PNG Immigration Minister Thomas
A Further nine refugees have departed Papua New Guinea for the United States, bringing to 269, the number who have been resettled there.
“I would like to wish this group of refugees the very best with their new lives in the United States,” Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Petrus Thomas, said yesterday.
“Resettlement is a key step in the lives of refugees and one of the three durable solutions which are promoted and recognised by the UNHCR.” He noted that the departure of this latest group was a significant milestone in delivering on the expectations of Prime Minister James Marape that the regional processing case be resolved quickly.
“It is regrettable that some of the reporting on this matter does not show how much progress has already been made,” Mr Thomas said.
“With the departure of these nine individuals, we have now seen a total of 269 refugees depart PNG and resettle in the United States.
“The significance of this number cannot be understated.
“There are now only 261 refugees in PNG – this is less than the total number who have already gone to the United States.
“With many more refugees currently progressing through the resettlement process, I am confident that the number will continue to decrease significantly over the coming weeks.”
Despite the clear decrease in refugees remaining in PNG, Mr Thomas remained resolute in the expectations he had on the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority to pursue every avenue for resolution of the regional processing caseload and the ultimate cessation of arrangements in Manus Province.
Mr Thomas said he had directed the chief migration officer to explore all options to quickly and effectively end all operations in Manus.
“CMO has already briefed me on a suite of options that will deliver on the expectations of the prime minister and continue to meet PNG’s international obligations,” he said.
“PNG is a welcoming country and we continue to encourage those who wish to settle here to do so.
“I would like to take this opportunity to speak directly to those who have been found not to be owed protection.
“You do not have a lawful right to remain in PNG and you must depart. It remains the preference of PNG that you depart voluntarily and with the generous financial support that is available to you.”
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“I would like to wish this group of refugees the very best with their new lives in the United States,” Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Petrus Thomas, said yesterday.
“Resettlement is a key step in the lives of refugees and one of the three durable solutions which are promoted and recognised by the UNHCR.” He noted that the departure of this latest group was a significant milestone in delivering on the expectations of Prime Minister James Marape that the regional processing case be resolved quickly.“It is regrettable that some of the reporting on this matter does not show how much progress has already been made,” Mr Thomas said.
“With the departure of these nine individuals, we have now seen a total of 269 refugees depart PNG and resettle in the United States.
“The significance of this number cannot be understated.
“There are now only 261 refugees in PNG – this is less than the total number who have already gone to the United States.
“With many more refugees currently progressing through the resettlement process, I am confident that the number will continue to decrease significantly over the coming weeks.”
Despite the clear decrease in refugees remaining in PNG, Mr Thomas remained resolute in the expectations he had on the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority to pursue every avenue for resolution of the regional processing caseload and the ultimate cessation of arrangements in Manus Province.
Mr Thomas said he had directed the chief migration officer to explore all options to quickly and effectively end all operations in Manus.
“CMO has already briefed me on a suite of options that will deliver on the expectations of the prime minister and continue to meet PNG’s international obligations,” he said.
“PNG is a welcoming country and we continue to encourage those who wish to settle here to do so.
“I would like to take this opportunity to speak directly to those who have been found not to be owed protection.
“You do not have a lawful right to remain in PNG and you must depart. It remains the preference of PNG that you depart voluntarily and with the generous financial support that is available to you.”
NExt :
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