Humanitarian Visa
Australia offers humanitarian visas to individuals who are outside their home country and facing substantial discrimination, persecution, or human rights abuses. The primary purpose of humanitarian visas is to provide refuge and protection to those in need. There are different types of humanitarian visas in Australia, including those under the Refugee and Humanitarian Program.
Types of Visa
Protection (Class XA) Visa
Subclass 866
This is an onshore visa for individuals who arrive in Australia and engage Australia’s protection obligations. It is for those who fear persecution in their home country
Refugee (Class XB) Visa
Subclass 200
This offshore visa is for individuals who are subject to persecution in their home country and have been proposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In-country Special Humanitarian (Class XB) Visa
Subclass 201
This visa is for individuals outside Australia who have a proposer in Australia and are subject to substantial discrimination and persecution in their home country.
Emergency Rescue (Class XD) Visa
Subclass 203
This visa is for individuals subject to persecution or substantial discrimination in their home country and are in urgent need of resettlement.
Woman at Risk (Class XD) Visa
Subclass 204
This visa is for women and their dependent children who are subject to persecution or are at risk of serious harm due to their gender.
Global Special Humanitarian (Class XD) Visa
Subclass 202
This visa is for individuals outside Australia who have a proposer in Australia and can demonstrate that they are subject to substantial discrimination and persecution in their home country.
Key Consideration
The offshore humanitarian program is part of the broader Refugee and Humanitarian Program, which is designed to fulfill Australia’s international obligations to provide refuge and protection.
Many offshore humanitarian visas are granted based on referrals from the UNHCR.
In some cases, individuals applying for offshore humanitarian visas require an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to act as a proposer.
Applying for humanitarian visas can be a complex process, involving detailed documentation and evidence to support the claims of persecution or substantial discrimination.
Australia’s protection obligations extend beyond the Refugee Convention, and individuals may be eligible for complementary protection if they face a real risk of significant harm.
It is crucial to note that immigration policies and procedures may change, so it is advisable to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information and guidance on humanitarian visas. Additionally, seeking legal advice or assistance from migration professionals may be beneficial for those navigating the humanitarian visa application process.