how you can help
Action for Afghanistan
The situation in Afghanistan is rapidly developing and we are witnessing large scale displacement amid what is now a humanitarian emergency.
We have compiled a list of resources following the most frequently asked questions to our organisation over the last few weeks. The situation in Afghanistan is evolving rapidly, all information provided is accurate and up to date as of October, 2021.
If you have an urgent request or a question that hasn’t been answered below, you can contact us via email at reception@amwchr.org.au
Sign the Petition
Join the call on the Australian Government to make a commitment to helping those in Afghanistan, by signing the petition here.
Contact your local MP
Call on the Australian Government and Parliamentarians to stand in solidarity with the Afghan people here.
Donate Now
You can make a donation to those in Afghanistan directly via Action for Afghanistan here.
I am in Afghanistan at the moment, can you help me?
You can find the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs here.
People in Afghanistan can contact Awaaz Afghanistan who provide a toll-free, countrywide hotline number (410) that affected populations can dial to access information, you can visit their website here.
Individuals with ties to foreign governments, embassies, military, Non Government Organisations (NGOs) are advised to consult with those foreign entities to understand any opportunities for departure from inside or outside Afghanistan.
You can also seek help from the UNHCR Afghanistan through the ‘HELP’ website that is also now live and available here.
The UNHCR Afghanistan protection team welcomes additional questions/concerns, though due to the high volume of queries and the impact of the security situation, responses may be significantly delayed.
There is also information available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
“If you are in Afghanistan, or you are an Afghan national, and need to enquire about a visa or citizenship application contact +61 2 6196 0196”
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has information on visas via their factsheet, for those seeking help for people in Afghanistan or if you are Afghan living in Australia.
For further information, and to ensure that you have the most up to date information, we suggest that you check the DFAT website here.
I'm in Australia, where can I get advice about visa options?
For those who are from Afghanistan currently in Australia and seeking advice about visa options, please contact the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Legal Triage Line on 0478 700 605.
This service is available between 10:30am – 12:00pm, Monday and Thursday.
Alternatively, you can email legal@asrc.org.au with the subject line “Afghanistan: Onshore visa help needed”.
You can also access a list of migration agents here.
How can I get help to support someone to apply for a Humanitarian Visa?
If you need help to support someone to apply for a Humanitarian Visa please contact the Department of Home Affairs Global Service Centre on 131 881 or if you are outside Australia +61 2 6196 0196 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST)
You can access more information about Refugee and Humanitarian visa options here.
You can access application forms for those who are at risk of harm in their home country and would like to resettle in Australia here.
You can access Global Special Humanitarian Visa Application form here.
You can access the Refugee Visa Application form here.
You can access a list of migration agents here.
I have lost contact with my family/friends in Afghanistan, what can I do?
The Australian Red Cross team is currently helping people who have lost contact with family in Afghanistan.
Because of the evolving situation, re-establishing contact may take some time, but the Australian Red Cross are urging anyone in Australia who has lost contact with relatives to please call our Restoring Family Links Hotline on 1800 875 199 or via email at tracing@redcross.org.au.
I need legal help with an immigration matter, where can I go?
The lawyers listed below may help you with your immigration matter, however they will charge professional or legal fees for their assistance.
A lawyer must give you a ‘costs agreement’, this document is your legal contract with your lawyer and explains how much money you must pay, when you must pay it and what you can expect from your lawyer.
Carina Ford Immigration Lawyers (Footscray)
(03) 9396 0207
Mary Hanna Lawyers (Coburg)
(03) 9077 6362
Erskine Rodan & Associates (North Melbourne)
(03) 9329 8744
Migration agents and lawyers who practise in immigration must be registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority to give you advice. Please ensure that you only use a registered migration agent.
You can access a list of migration agents here. This resource is also available in Dari here.
I can't afford a paid legal service, who can help me?
If you need of legal assistance and/or representation and can’t afford to pay for a lawyer, you can call the following telephone advice lines:
Refugee Legal (formerly RILC)
Refugee Legal specialises in free legal advice and representation in relation to refugee and general immigration matters. Refugee Legal provides free legal advice and representation in relation to protection visa applicants and other general immigration matters at primary and merits review stages, as well as in visa cancellation matters.
Available Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Afghanistan Legal Hotline (03) 9413 0166
For more information about Refugee Legal and their services, visit their factsheet here.
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)
VLA has a range of services to help people with their legal problems. A Victoria Legal Aid lawyer may be able to give you general information about applying for a protection visa, and may also be able to help with applications for judicial review (Federal Circuit Court).
Available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
1300 792 387
To access help in your language please click here.
Muslim Legal Network
The Muslim Legal Network can provide free legal referral services to help you and your family find the right lawyers and organisations during this difficult time.
For more contact options visit their website here.
0426 845 306
Where can I access counselling services or support as an Afghan?
If you or someone you know requires specialised counselling or mental health support, you can visit Foundation House via phone on (03) 9389 8900 or via email at referrals@foundationhouse.org.au.
Crisis Lines and Counselling Support:
If you require support during this time, we encourage you to contact the following helplines:
Hayat Line: 1300 993 398
Hayat Line is a free and confidential crisis support line for Muslims in Australia
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
eHeadspace: 1800 650 890
eHeadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 – 25.
QLife: 1800 184 527
QLife provides anonymous LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
What can we offer you at the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights?
The Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights can provide Afghan women with:
- Emotional and cultural support
- Material Aid (limited resources)
- Casework and referral services
Please note that we have not currently received any resources or funding to support with the unfolding crisis at this time however we will do our best to provide you with support, information and any resources we can.
Material Aid:
The Australian Muslim Women’s Centre provides aid by assisting vulnerable Muslim women access basic material aids such as groceries, petrol and back to school support for women and children. However our organisation is not a financial aid provider. As funds are community donations and are therefore inconsistent, there is no guarantee that we will have available funds at any given time. In situations where we cannot support clients with material aid we refer them to other welfare community organisations.
Media Requests:
If you would like to request an interview from one of the spokespeople of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights, please contact our Communications Coordinator at comms@amwchr.org.au.
Do you need more support?
If the information provided above doesn’t answer your query or provide you with the support that you need, feel free to send through a request to us via the form provided. We are currently receiving a high number of enquiries at this time and will endeavour to answer your request as soon as possible.
The Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we conduct our work, and that sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.