International aid agencies based in Cambodia have rejected the Abbott government's resettlement deal, saying it is not appropriate for a country that has been accused of human rights abuses and has no refugee resettlement experience.

Fairfax Media understands immigration officials Greg Kelly and Pilar Davidson, based in the Australian embassy, visited a number of non-government agencies after the Abbott government offered $40 million in development aid to Cambodia in return for a refugee resettlement deal in September last year.

"Both Australian and Cambodian governments recognise the value of doing this work with the involvement of key international stakeholders, including UNHCR": Peter Dutton. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In the meetings, it is understood officials wanted to get a greater understanding of the country and its development focus.

The Cambodian national director of World Vision, Jason Evans, confirmed the meeting, saying the officials had approached the NGO and that he was aware that a number of international NGOs were also approached.