Australia's Morrison Arrives In New Zealand To Discuss COVID-19, China, Refugees - Reports
Muhammad Irfan Published May 30, 2021 | 11:20 AM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th May, 2021) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for his first overseas visit of 2021 to meet with his counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, media reported.
The main talking points are expected to be medical aid to Pacific island nations, relations with China and the Trans-Tasman relationship. Media speculated that another pressing issue on the agenda will be a possible refugee resettlement deal.
Since 2012, the Australian government has been sending asylum seekers to neighboring island nations, mainly Nauru and Papua New Guinea, under its offshore refugee processing system. In 2016, Canberra struck a deal with Washington under the Obama administration that allowed it to transfer up to 1,250 people to the US.
As the deal is nearing its end, with 936 of Australia's refugees already resettled in the US and 258 more provisionally accepted, Canberra needs to decide what to do with the remaining 239 people currently stuck on the offshore processing islands.
As part of the solution, New Zealand has been offering to resettle up to 150 offshore refugees a year since 2013. Australia has consistently denied the offer out of fear that after five years since their resettlement in New Zealand, former asylum seekers could claim citizenship and become eligible to travel to Australia without restriction.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PML-N to hold meeting today on wheat procurement
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 4 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 04 May 2024
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
More Stories From World
-
Heatwave hammers Thailand's stinky but lucrative durian farms
6 minutes ago -
Flood-hit Kenya and Tanzania on alert as cyclone nears
26 minutes ago -
Three bodies found after surfers go missing in Mexico: FBI
36 minutes ago -
Three bodies found after surfers go missing in Mexico
46 minutes ago -
Former aide tells Trump trial of 2016 campaign 'crisis'
56 minutes ago -
Rafah assault 'could lead to a bloodbath': WHO chief
56 minutes ago
-
Magic withstand Mitchell's big night to stay alive against Cavaliers
56 minutes ago -
In southern Brazil, flood victims cope with total loss
56 minutes ago -
Hamas says delegation heading to Cairo for truce talks
1 hour ago -
Biden bashes Trump, honors top US Democrats at medal ceremony
1 hour ago -
Verstappen takes sprint pole in Miami
1 hour ago -
US election disinformation targets non-citizen voting
1 hour ago