The UN says Australia should resettle refugees on Manus Island and Nauru, rather than focus on white South African farmers.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is looking for ways to resettle white South African farmers on the basis that deserve special attention from a “civilised country”.

Australia's current humanitarian program allows those seeking asylum to apply for a refugee visa or special humanitarian visa.

The Federal Government has ruled out creating a special visa category for white South Africans, but still faces pressure from conservatives to help the farmers.

The UNHCR is central to identifying people in need of protection and referring them to Australia for resettlement.

“The UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra has not received any queries from South African farmers seeking protection from Australia,” said UNHCR spokesperson Catherine Stubberfield.

“Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, a person must be outside their country of origin in order to claim asylum.”

Meanwhile, she said, hundreds of refugees on Manus Island and Nauru have sought protection “directly from Australia” and should not be ignored.

“Those who have been forcibly transferred to Papua New Guinea and Nauru under the ‘offshore processing’ arrangement should be Australia's first priority after almost five years,” she said.

The Government has repeatedly told the refugees they will not be resettled in Australia.