Nine refugees resettle in US

NINE refugees left the country this week to settle in the United States, Immigration and Border Security Minister Petrus Thomas says.
He said their departure meant 261 refugees remained in the country.
Thomas said in a statement: “I would like to wish this group of refugees the very best with their new lives in the United States. 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 (United Nations refugee agency).”
He said the departure of the group was a significant milestone in delivering on the expectations of Prime Minister James Marape that the regional processing load be resolved quickly.
Thomas said: “It is regrettable that some of the reporting on this matter does not show how much progress has already been made. 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.”
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.
“I have directed the chief migration officer (CMO) 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.
“It is important to remember that no matter what support is provided, it remains incumbent on individuals to engage with the options that are provided to them and to make the personal decisions that will enable them to move on with their lives.
“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.”