UPDATE: Australia’s plan on Protection Visa for Afghanistan Citizens

The Australian Federal Government plans to allocate 3,000 places Australia protection Visa for Afghanistan citizens. It is in response to the chaotic situation in Afghanistan as the U.S decided to withdraw its remaining troops ending what the president described as “America’s longest war”, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war.

Millions of Afghans have been displaced by decades of war, and the new round of conflict by U.S Military withdrawal has further added to their numbers. Many have sought safety in Kabul, bringing with them a new generation of men, women, and children who have witnessed directly how conflict sweeps across towns, villages, and cities, displacing everyone caught in its path. Thousands of Afghans rushed to the airport, hoping to escape the country because they fear what the Taliban’s rule will bring. Some were so desperate, they clung to the side of a military jet as it took off and then plunged to their deaths.

Australia Protection Visa Plan for Afghanistan

The chaotic and dangerous security situation in Kabul is posing stiff challenges to the federal government’s evacuation mission in Afghanistan, with some Australians missing the first emergency flight out of the country because they could not reach the airport.

The Australian government recognizes that the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly deteriorating. Thereby, the Federal government is collaborating with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Defence to ensure that Afghan people who qualify for Australia humanitarian visa are processed and resettled as quickly as possible. The Australian government recently stated that an initial 3,000 spots will be offered to Afghan nationals, within Australia’s 13,750 yearly humanitarian program.

Read more: Australian Immigration Program Important Updates for 2021-22 Program Year

Australia Protection Visa for Onshore Afghanistan Citizens

Afghan visa holders in Australia will not be forced to return to Afghanistan if their safety is jeopardized. The Australian government will assist Afghan citizens who are currently in Australia on temporary visas.

Afghan citizens who meet the requirements for a humanitarian visa and wish to seek Australia’s assistance are strongly encouraged to make an application.

In addition, other countries such as Canada have already responded rapidly, saying that it will resettle up to 20,000 women leaders, journalists, and human rights advocates who have fled Afghanistan.

Australia visa plans for Afghan Locally Engaged Employees

Locally Engaged Employees (LEEs) who have supported Australia’s mission in Afghanistan are a high priority. Those who have not met the threshold for Afghan LEE certification but who have a connection with Australia will also be prioritised under the Humanitarian Program. This includes extended family members of Afghan LEEs settled in Australia.

Afghan LEEs and their immediate family members with valid Australian visas are exempted from Australia’s travel restrictions as well.

Read more: Maximum Amount of Family and Parent Visa Grants Announced for 2020/2021

Australia Family visas & Citizenship for Afghans

Once all requirements have been verified, visa applications from Afghans will be processed as promptly as feasible.

If you wish to check your eligibility, please get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159.

Don’t worry, we are here to help you!

We understand your concern about the new arrangement for leaving Australia exemption. ONE derland Consulting is ready to help you in finding the best answer for your situation.

We also understand that applying for a visa to Australia is certainly very complicated. It is even more challenging during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will help you assess your visa options. We have a 98% success rate and are one of the most highly recommended migration agents in Australia. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional, honest and speak various languages such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, Polish, German and Russian. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is 100% refundable if you become our client.