Refugee & Humanitarian — certified translation guide

Australia's refugee and humanitarian programme provides protection to people who face persecution, significant human rights abuses, or substantial discrimination in their home countries. The main visa pathways are: Protection Visa (Subclass 866) — onshore protection for people already in Australia who meet the refugee or complementary protection criteria under the Migration Act. Refugee Visa (Subclass 200) — offshore protection for people subject to persecution, referred through the UNHCR or Australia's offshore humanitarian programme.

Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202) — for people outside their home country who face serious discrimination amounting to a gross violation of human rights. Must be proposed by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, organisation, or community group. Emergency Rescue (Subclass 203) and Woman at Risk (Subclass 204) are additional offshore categories for specific urgent protection needs.

Documents commonly translated include birth certificates, identity documents, court documents, and written evidence of persecution or discrimination. Given the circumstances of many applicants, documents may be incomplete or difficult to obtain — the Department of Home Affairs takes this into account.