Australia confirms refugee resettlement deal with the United States

The government has announced a one-off deal to resettle refugees in the United States. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed few details about the agreement, which will be administered by the United Nations High Commission on Refugees. After almost a year of negotiations, the Prime Minister confirmed a deal had been done with the United States to resettle refugees currently being held in detention facilities on Manus Island and Nauru. He has stressed the agreement is a one-time offer. This arrangement, to be overseen by the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, will only apply to those people already in processing centres, and will prioritise women, children and families. The government is also in the final stages of negotiation with Nauru for a 20-year visa, to be offered to those who refuse resettlement, or to be returned to their home country. Speaking beside Mr Turnbull, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says the deal won't impact current processing arrangements.

AAP Image/Eoin Blackwell/AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File Source: AAP Image/Eoin Blackwell/AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File