Advocacy and settlement support

AKO advocates on the issues and challenges facing Karen refugees in Australia, at both local and federal levels. Karen refugees are resettled in Australia through the Humanitarian Program, and most have arrived on subclass 200, 202 or 204 visas.

AKO has helped new arrivals, especially those on subclass 202 visas, with their initial settlement needs, such as being met at the airport, registering with Centrelink and Medicare, enrolling in school, finding temporary and permanent accommodation, connecting with local community groups and using public transport.

AKO has also helped with ongoing needs, such as utility bills, dealing with real estate agents, banking, and liaising with schools, health services and legal services.