Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Australia to accept 45% more refugees this year

 

Thursday 23 August 2012 13:57 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Australia will accept 45 per cent more refugees this fiscal year as part of a strategy to deter treacherous boat journeys from Southeast Asia.

A higher cap on the number of refugees means they have a greater chance of being accepted in camps in Indonesia and less incentive to pay smugglers.

The government said Thursday the increase from 13,750 to 20,000 refugees for the fiscal year that ends mid-2013 will make Australia the most receptive country to refugees after the United States. It will cost an additional 1.3 billion Australian dollar over four years.

The deterrent strategy also involves deporting unauthorized boat arrivals to detention camps on Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

More than 8,000 asylum seekers have reached Australia by boat so far this year.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in