Australia

Asia and Pacific

Australia

Australia remains a key actor in the region’s protection landscape, balancing border management with ongoing legal reforms, resettlement efforts, and regional cooperation on refugee protection.

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Australia. Stateless Rohingya refugee achieves dream to become a bodybuilder

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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

Find more data here

*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