Refugees under PNG humanitarian program face possible eviction

Dozens of refugees who are in PNG as part of a deal with the Australian government are facing possible eviction in coming days over non-payment of bills.

Among them is Faisal Elzeiny and his small family of three. The family turned up at the Australian High Commission office in Port Moresby on Monday asking for help after service providers cut off all assistance including food and medical supplies, transportation and security.

Mr Elzeiny and his family have appealed to the Australian government to intervene in their plight, saying their welfare needs have fallen on deaf ears.

Mr Elzeiny is married to a Papua New Guinean woman and the couple has two children. He is among more than 60 refugees still awaiting final resettlement.

He told NBC's Current Issues program the situation is getting worse.

"I am very scared about my family, where I will go with my family, in the street. I don't know what will happen. I am scared. My two daughters, my wife," he said.

Australia accused of not providing funding

PNG's Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau told a recent news conference that services for refugees were cut off because the 2023 humanitarian program funding was not received.

"Service providers have been paid in 2021 and 2022," he said.

"The issue that is now being addressed by myself and my minister is the funding for 2023. 2023 funding has not been allocated or provided to us by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. "

The Australian government claims the program to finalise the resettlement of all refugees in PNG and third countries has been fully funded.

According to Australian media reports, the then-Morrison government signed a confidential bilateral agreement with PNG in 2021 for PNG to provide funding for housing and welfare for the remaining refugees.

But there are now allegations of abuse of funds earmarked for refugees.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration John Rosso has directed an investigation into the matter.