
If you are an Afghan citizen seeking asylum in Australia, you should first contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in the country you are currently in. The UNHCR does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia, but it can provide essential support and information regarding the asylum process. Australia has developed its own procedures for determining asylum claims, which are administered by the Department of Home Affairs. To increase your chances of a successful claim, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for asylum in Australia | People outside Australia who have been persecuted and are in need of resettlement |
| Who determines asylum claims in Australia | The Australian Government has developed procedures for determining whether persons claiming asylum are refugees. These procedures are administered by the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with Australian law |
| UNHCR's role in asylum claims in Australia | UNHCR does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia |
| UNHCR's recommendation for asylum seekers in Australia | Seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent in preparing your claim |
| Where to seek asylum if outside Australia | Contact the UNHCR office in the country you are in |
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What You'll Learn

Seek legal advice from a registered migration agent or lawyer
When seeking asylum in Australia from Afghanistan, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice from a registered migration agent or a lawyer. This is because the process of applying for asylum involves complex legal procedures, and a legal professional can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful application.
Registered migration agents and lawyers specialising in immigration law will have the necessary expertise and knowledge of the Australian refugee and immigration system. They can guide you through the entire process, from preparing your claim to representing you in any legal proceedings that may arise. These legal professionals can also help you understand your options, explain the requirements and criteria for asylum, and ensure that your application is comprehensive and compliant with all necessary regulations.
You can find a registered migration agent through the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority. It is important to ensure that your migration agent is registered, as unregistered agents should be reported. Migration agents typically undergo a shorter course followed by an examination to become registered. On the other hand, lawyers must complete an accredited three-year law degree (or equivalent) and be entered in the roll of a practitioner of a Supreme Court in Australia.
One of the leading organisations providing legal assistance to asylum seekers in Australia is Refugee Legal. They offer a range of services, including legal advice, casework, and representation before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and courts. They also provide training and development programs for migration agents and lawyers, ensuring that legal professionals across Australia are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assist asylum seekers effectively. Refugee Legal operates in Victoria and across Australia, and their services are provided free of charge.
It is important to be aware that legal fees will typically apply when engaging a registered migration agent or lawyer. A lawyer is required to provide you with a 'costs agreement', which outlines the fees you will be charged, the services provided, and the expected timeline. This agreement protects both you and your lawyer and ensures transparency in the legal process.
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Determine if you meet the criteria for a refugee visa
To apply for asylum in Australia from Afghanistan, you must meet the criteria for a refugee visa. This means you must be outside of Australia when applying and when the visa outcome is decided. Refugee visas are for people who have experienced persecution and are in need of resettlement. To be eligible for a refugee visa, you must demonstrate that you are subject to persecution in your home country. This could include persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
It is important to note that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia. The Australian Government has developed its own procedures for determining whether individuals claiming asylum are refugees, and these procedures are administered by the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with Australian law.
When applying for a refugee visa, you may be able to include certain family members in your application. If your child is not dependent on you, they must apply for their own visa. It is important to declare all family members in your application, as you may not be able to propose them for a refugee and humanitarian visa after you arrive in Australia if they were not included in your initial application.
If you are outside of Australia and seeking asylum, you should contact the UNHCR office in the country you are currently in. They can provide you with information and assistance specific to your situation. Additionally, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent when preparing your claim. They can help you understand the specific requirements and procedures for applying for asylum in Australia and protect your rights throughout the process.
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Contact the UNHCR office in your country
If you are in Afghanistan and wish to seek asylum in Australia, you should contact the UNHCR office in the country. The UNHCR is committed to staying in Afghanistan and delivering critical assistance to refugees and internally displaced people. They are also working with authorities in neighbouring countries to plan and prepare for potential future movements of Afghan refugees.
You can find the contact details for the UNHCR office in Afghanistan on the UNHCR website. The website also provides contact details for UNHCR offices around the world. Once you get in touch with the relevant UNHCR office, they can provide you with information and guidance on seeking asylum in Australia.
The UNHCR office in Afghanistan can assist you with various services. They are currently focused on protecting the most vulnerable Afghans and assisting newly displaced individuals and families. This includes providing life-saving shelter, food, water, and core relief items within Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. The UNHCR is also working to address critical humanitarian and development needs, restore stability, and enhance conditions for voluntary return.
While the UNHCR does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia, they can provide general information about your rights and available services as an asylum seeker. They recommend that you seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent when preparing your asylum claim. A list of registered migration agents can be found on the website of the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority.
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Understand the Australian Government's procedures for asylum claims
The Australian Government has established procedures for determining whether individuals claiming asylum are refugees. These procedures are overseen by the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with Australian law.
If you are outside Australia and seeking asylum, you should contact the UNHCR office in the country you are currently in. The UNHCR does not, however, assist with determining asylum claims in Australia. The Australian Government has developed its own procedures for assessing asylum claims, which are managed by the Department of Home Affairs.
As a refugee seeking to enter Australia, you will need to apply for a refugee visa. These visas are specifically for individuals outside Australia who have been persecuted and require resettlement. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent when preparing your claim. A list of registered migration agents can be found on the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority website.
The UNHCR recommends that asylum seekers obtain legal assistance to advise on the appeal process. This is particularly important if your asylum claim has been rejected, and you wish to understand your options for review or appeal.
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Lodge an application for a refugee or humanitarian visa
If you are outside Australia and wish to seek asylum, you should contact the UNHCR office in the country you are in. The UNHCR does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia. The Australian Government has developed procedures for determining whether persons claiming asylum are refugees. These procedures are administered by the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with Australian law.
To lodge an application for a refugee or humanitarian visa, you should seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent. A list of registered migration agents is available at the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority.
It is important to note that the UNHCR is not involved in determining asylum claims in Australia and does not review individual cases. However, they can provide general information and recommend you seek the assistance of a lawyer or migration agent to advise you on the appeal process.
You can find contact details for UNHCR offices around the world on the UNHCR website. Additionally, the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority provides a list of registered migration agents who can assist with preparing your claim.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are outside Australia and wish to seek asylum, you should contact the UNHCR office in the country you are in. The UNHCR does not assist with determining asylum claims in Australia.
You need to apply for a refugee visa. These are for people outside Australia who have been persecuted and are in need of resettlement.
The UNHCR recommends that you seek the advice of a lawyer or registered migration agent. A list of registered migration agents can be found on the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority website.
The Australian Government has developed procedures for determining whether persons claiming asylum are refugees. These procedures are administered by the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with Australian law.




































