How can the Refugee Program best target those in Greatest Need of Resettlement?
The difficulty in determining those in greatest need for resettlement is accepted. Perhaps DIMIA processing posts, in addition to accepting referrals from UNHCR, could make use of other international agencies such as the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) in order to administer a program that is more flexible and better able to respond to the changing location of refugee generating areas/zones. Overseas selection processes and on-arrival settlement services could well be enhanced and more effectively identify humanitarian entrants’ needs if more weight were given to community organizations’ concerns . These organizations possess particular experience both in Australia and overseas when dealing with displaced people and their need. Volunteers have historically been the lifeline for migrant and humanitarian entrants. There would be great benefit for DIMIA to recognise the potential for partnership arrangements, for example in programs such as regional relocation. Improvem
