Australia’s Humanitarian Programme is an important part of our contribution to the international protection of refugees. It is designed to ensure that Australia can respond effectively to global humanitarian situations and that support services are available to meet the specific needs of these entrants.

For people outside Australia in need of humanitarian assistance

Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)

The Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202) is for you if you are outside Australia, are living outside your home country, are subject to substantial discrimination amounting to a gross violation of your human rights in your home country, and are proposed by a person or organisation in Australia.

Refugee Visa (subclass 200)

The Refugee visa (subclass 200) is for you if you are outside Australia, are living outside your home country and are persecuted in your home country.

To be considered for resettlement in Australia under this visa, you would usually need to be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the Australian Government.

The Refugee visa (subclass 200) is a permanent visa.

Women at Risk visa (subclass 204)

The Woman at Risk visa (subclass 204) is for you if you are outside Australia, living outside your home country, do not have the protection of a male relative and are in danger of victimisation, harassment or serious abuse because of your gender.

To be considered for resettlement in Australia under this visa, you would usually need to be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the Australian Government.

The Woman at Risk visa (subclass 204) is a permanent visa.

Emergency rescue visa (subclass 203)

The Emergency Rescue visa (subclass 203) is for you if you are subject to persecution in your home country and face an immediate threat to your life or personal security.

To be considered for resettlement in Australia under this visa, you would usually need to be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the Australian Government.

The Emergency Rescue visa (subclass 203) is a permanent visa.

In country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201)

The In-country Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 201) is for you if you are living in and subject to persecution in your home country, and have not been able to leave that country to seek refuge elsewhere.

The In-country Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 201) is a permanent visa.

For people already in Australia who are found to be refugees

Protection visa (subclass 866)

To be granted a Protection visa (subclass 866) you will need to be found to engage Australia’s protection obligations because you either:

  • are a refugee as defined by the Refugees Convention
  • meet the Complementary Protection criteria in the Australian Migration Act 1958.

You might also be eligible for a Protection visa if you are the family member of a person found to engage Australia’s protection obligations.

You and any eligible family members included in the application must be in Australia when you apply for this visa.

The Protection visa (subclass 866) is a permanent visa.