Exemptions from mutual obligation requirements for refugees 005-02050040

This document explains the exemptions from mutual obligation requirements for refugees.

Exempting refugees from their mutual obligation requirements

An exemption from mutual obligation requirements is granted to newly arrived refugees to help them with their initial settlement activities. This may include English language studies or getting stable accommodation.

Refugees have diverse life experiences and educational backgrounds. Some refugee customers may be job ready earlier, and therefore wish to access employment services earlier. For such customers, they are eligible to be referred to Workforce Australia from 6 weeks onwards. The level of Workforce Australia support they receive is based on their circumstances.

For more details, see Refugee entrant service offer.

The 13 week activity exemption period is often reduced to 11 weeks and 6 days so that it can align with the:

12 week reporting, and
12 week appointment that the customer will need to attend

During the new claim interview, Refugee and Asylum Seekers (RAS) staff will manually change the Activity and Exemption Summary (AEX) screen to end the exemption period at 11 weeks and 6 days.

Operational Information

Exemptions from mutual obligation requirements for refugees 005-02050040

Exempting refugees from their mutual obligation requirements

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