The Australian government has reportedly agreed to settle 500 Syrian refugees in the country under its strengthened humanitarian program which guarantees more resettlement places for refugees.
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison announced that the resettlement will commence in 2013-14 and Australia would join 16 other countries in a resettlement program driven by the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR.
He further said that the government's policy of denying permanent visas to those who arrived illegally by boat will enable Australia to continue offering targeted resettlement to those most in need.
According to reports, Morrison said that the Australian funding has supported UNHCR and other agencies to provide shelter, food and clean water to refugees and host communities.