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Protection Visas
At Amity Lawyers, our team of qualified immigration lawyers handles the most complex protection visa matters. If you or someone you know needs urgent assistance, reach out to our team today — we are here to help.
Understanding Protection Visas in Australia
At Amity Lawyers, we are committed to supporting individuals who are in genuine need of refuge in Australia. The Protection Visa (Subclass 866) is available to people who are already in Australia and face a real risk of serious harm if they are returned to their country of origin. This includes people threatened by political unrest, religious persecution, ethnic conflict, gender-based violence or other severe forms of discrimination that put their safety and wellbeing at risk.
Eligibility for Protection Visas
Valid Visa Requirement Applicants must have entered Australia on a valid visa. This ensures that those seeking asylum have followed legal entry procedures.
Refugee or Complementary Protection Criteria Applicants must either qualify as a refugee under international conventions, or satisfy the complementary protection criteria under Australian immigration law — demonstrating a genuine and substantial risk of human rights abuses in their country of origin.
Health and Character Standards Applicants must satisfy the health and character requirements set by Australian immigration authorities.
In-Country Requirement Applicants must be physically present in Australia at the time of lodging their application.
Countries of Concern
Our immigration lawyers have extensive experience working with clients from countries where the risk of persecution or serious human rights violations is well established:
1. Afghanistan
Ongoing conflict and political instability create serious risks, particularly for those who oppose or challenge ruling factions, as well as for women and ethnic minorities.
2. Egypt
Political dissidents, certain religious groups and LGBTIQ+ individuals face significant risks in a climate where freedom of expression and assembly is tightly restricted.
3. Ethiopia
Longstanding ethnic tensions and political conflict have created unsafe conditions for specific ethnic groups, leading to widespread displacement.
4. Indonesia
Religious minorities, LGBTIQ+ individuals and indigenous communities — particularly in regions such as Papua — face discrimination and inadequate protection.
5. Iran
Individuals who express their sexual orientation or hold religious beliefs outside state-sanctioned norms face severe restrictions and widespread human rights violations.
6. Malaysia
Ethnic minorities and LGBTIQ+ individuals face discriminatory laws and practices, with limited protection available from authorities.
7. Myanmar
The military regime has subjected ethnic minorities including the Rohingya, as well as political activists and journalists, to systematic violence and displacement.
8. Papua New Guinea
Indigenous communities and minorities face marginalisation and lack of access to basic services, particularly in areas affected by civil unrest.
9. Pakistan
Religious intolerance, gender-based violence and political conflict create an environment in which many feel compelled to seek refuge elsewhere.
10. Türkiye
Growing authoritarianism has created increasingly difficult conditions for ethnic minorities, political dissenters, journalists and human rights defenders.
11. Venezuela
Political opposition members, journalists and activists face a hostile environment worsened by economic collapse, declining public services and rising violence.
12. Yemen
Ongoing armed conflict has produced a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement and serious risks based on political affiliation, religion and ethnicity.
How Amity Lawyers Can Help
Protection visa applications are among the most legally complex and personally significant matters in immigration law. Our immigration lawyers assess your eligibility, prepare a thorough and well-supported application tailored to your individual circumstances, and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs. We handle LGBTIQ+ protection cases with full sensitivity and confidentiality, and where an application is refused, we can represent you in review proceedings.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
