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Australia

Key statistics

124,288

people were displaced or stateless (or returning from forced displacement) within the country at the end of 2024

91,340

people were identified as asylum-seekers in the country at the end of 2024, mostly from Syria and Afghanistan

$4.8 million

are needed in 2025 to ensure operations covered by the Australia multi-country office* are sustained

*UNHCR’s operations in Australia are managed by the Australia multi-country office, which also oversees operations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and 16 Pacific islands, with needs budgeted jointly.

Australia continues to play a prominent role in regional protection efforts while navigating a complex asylum landscape shaped by legal reforms and ongoing political debate. The country made important progress, including the launch of the Pacific Engagement Visa to enhance regional mobility, leadership in global resettlement discussions, and the release of a new Multicultural Framework Review aimed at strengthening social cohesion. UNHCR continues to advocate for fair and humane asylum policies, while supporting Australia’s efforts to expand resettlement and complementary pathways. 

The UNHCR Office in Canberra engages with government, civil society, and regional partners across 16 Pacific countries and territories, promoting access to protection, refugee status determination, and legal safeguards. UNHCR also monitors the situation of people affected by offshore processing arrangements in Nauru and formerly in Papua New Guinea, while calling for durable solutions and greater regional responsibility-sharing. As of 2024, Australia hosts tens of thousands of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals, and remains a critical partner in advancing international protection and solutions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia as a donor

Find out more about the funds raised by the government and private sector in Australia to support UNHCR.

Visit the donor page

Population and financial overview

Australia

Use the year selector to access information from previous years.

Populations

Population types
Population by country
Population by origin

Financial

Budget and expenditure trend
Budget by pillar
Budget by objective
Expenditure by Outcome Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas

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Strategy - Country

Strategy

For more information about our work in Australia:

Australia website

Find more information on our work in the area and the latest local news and stories.

Visit the Australia website

 

Refworld

Find legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection.

Visit Refworld

 

Office contact details

Street and postal address

14 Kendall Lane, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia

Please note that an appointment must be set to visit the office.

Email

Phone

  • Protection inquiries (3 pm to 5 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday): +61 262 819 100
  • Media and Public Information Inquiries: + 61 424 545 569
  • Donation Inquiries in Australia (Australia for UNHCR): 1300 361 288
  • Donation Inquiries in New Zealand (Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR): +64 941 47 883

Timezone

+10 GMT

Working hours

  • Monday: 8:45 - 17:00
  • Tuesday: 8:45 - 17:00
  • Wednesday: 8:45 - 17:00
  • Thursday: 8:45 - 17:00
  • Friday: 8:45 - 17:00