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Seeking Guidance: Humanitarian Protection Visa or Other Options from India
Hello everyone,
My name is Mahdi Albadri. I am an officially registered refugee with UNHCR India and originally from Iraq. I have been living in New Delhi for several years under refugee status. Despite multiple appeals to the UNHCR for resettlement or durable solutions, my case has been neglected for years.
During this time, I’ve experienced serious mistreatment, including harassment by local authorities, rejection of protection requests, and psychological and physical distress. My situation has severely impacted my mental and physical health, and I now live with PTSD and chronic anxiety.
I recently learned about the Australian Humanitarian Protection Visa (Subclass 202 or 866), and I’m hoping to understand whether someone in my situation — a recognized refugee living in India, with documented medical and legal support — might be eligible for this visa or any other pathway to safety and stability in Australia.
I would be truly grateful for any help with the following:
– Has anyone with a similar background (UNHCR-recognized refugee outside Australia) been able to apply for a protection visa successfully?
– Are there any migration agents, lawyers, or support organizations you would recommend?
– What would be the first step to get real support, while still based in India?
I have an active Iraqi passport, UNHCR documentation, and multiple medical and legal reports proving my vulnerability and prolonged mistreatment.
Thank you in advance for any advice or direction. This is my last hope for a safe future.
Warm regards,
**Mahdi Albadri**
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7 Replies
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Hi Mahdi, thank you for sharing your story. I’m really sorry to hear about everything you’ve been through. Although I haven’t been through this myself, I’ve done some research on your behalf, as I’m sure your situation is not unique. Hopefully, this helps you and perhaps others who come across this thread, who might be able to provide some first-hand input.
Below, I’ve outlined your options so you can understand your current position and the steps you might take next.
1. Australia’s Humanitarian Program – Subclass 202 Visa (Offshore Refugee Visa)
Since you’re currently in India and recognised as a refugee by UNHCR, the most suitable pathway is likely the Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa.To be eligible:
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You must be outside Australia.
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You need a proposer, usually an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (can be a family member, friend, or community organisation).
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You must demonstrate compelling reasons for resettlement, including persecution or significant hardship, which you’ve already documented.
Unfortunately, UNHCR status alone doesn’t guarantee a visa. Australia’s humanitarian intake is limited and highly competitive.
2. Subclass 866 (Onshore Protection Visa)
The subclass 866 visa is only for people already in Australia, so it’s not applicable unless you’re able to travel here first, which usually requires another valid visa (like a tourist or student visa). Australia does not issue visas to individuals it suspects may claim asylum upon arrival so this is unlikely an option for you.3. Support Options from India
You may wish to:-
Connect with Australian-based sponsors — friends, relatives, or support groups who can propose you for a 202 visa.
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Contact a reputable migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA): https://www.mara.gov.au . We have an agent we can refer you to for an initial assessment (they charge a small fee for this service).
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Reach out to legal or advocacy groups, such as:
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Refugee Legal: https://refugeelegal.org.au
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Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC): https://asrc.org.au
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Humanitarian Group: https://www.thehumanitariangroup.org.au
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These organisations sometimes assist with humanitarian visa applications and may advise you or your proposer in Australia.
First step:
Try to find a proposer in Australia and connect them with one of the legal organisations listed above to begin assessing your eligibility for a Subclass 202 visa.You can read more about the Subclass 202 visa here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/global-special-humanitarian-202I truly hope this gives you some hope and direction, Mahdi. Please don’t hesitate to post more questions. I’m here to support you where I can.
Warm Regards
Mark
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Request for Assistance Finding a Proposer – Humanitarian Visa Subclass 202
Dear Mark,
Thank you again for your kind and informative response to my previous post. Your support has given me hope during a very difficult time.
As a UNHCR-recognized Iraqi refugee currently stranded in India (Case #305-14C02542), I am urgently seeking someone in Australia who may be willing to act as my proposer under the Subclass 202 – Global Special Humanitarian Visa.
I have no relatives or close contacts in Australia, and I am in a very vulnerable situation, facing serious threats to my safety, as well as worsening physical and mental health.
I would like to kindly ask:
- Do you know of any individuals, community groups, or faith-based organizations in Australia who might be open to helping in such a case?
- Would you be willing to share my story (or allow me to repost it) on the forum to help connect me with someone who can assist?
I have a full set of verified documents (UNHCR ID, passport, medical and police reports), and I’m prepared to work with a registered migration agent if needed.
I understand this is a big ask, but your advice and guidance would mean the world to me.
With sincere gratitude,
Mahdi Albadri
📧 – email snipped – please use the private message features on our website where you are free to share this information in the privacy of these non public facing sections on our website.
📍 Currently in New Delhi, India
🛂 Iraqi Passport -snipped passport ID – (Valid till 2030)
🔖 UNHCR Refugee Case #305-14C02542
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This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Mark. Reason: Personal email and passport number snipped. Please do not share personal information on forum posts
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Hi Mahdi,
Thank you again for your openness and courage in sharing your story. We deeply appreciate your trust, and I’m so glad to hear our earlier reply gave you some hope.
Before I go into the visa details, just a quick reminder for your safety: please avoid posting sensitive personal information like passport numbers or your email address on public forums. While we’ve removed these from your post, it’s much safer to use our private messaging feature to share this information securely within the protected sections of our website. 🙂
Now to your questions:
1. Finding a Proposer for the Subclass 202 Visa
The Subclass 202 Global Special Humanitarian visa requires a proposer – someone who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This person or organisation must be willing to support your application and help you settle in Australia.
Since you don’t have family in Australia, there are still potential options:
Community organisations or religious groups in Australia may be open to helping. This includes mosques, churches, refugee support groups, or humanitarian organisations.
You can also approach registered Australian charities or refugee networks that sometimes act as proposers or help facilitate these links.
Try contacting:
Refugee Council of Australia – https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au
Rural Australians for Refugees – https://www.ruralaustraliansforrefugees.org.au
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) – https://asrc.org.au
Refugee Legal – https://refugeelegal.org.au
These groups often have connections with Australians willing to support a refugee under the humanitarian program.
Lastly, stay strong Mahdi! 🤗 your resilience is incredible. Keep reaching out of you have further questions.
Best wishes
Regards
Mark
refugeecouncil.org.au
Refugee Council of Australia: Supporting refugees people seeking asylum
Welcome to the Refugee Council of Australia. Get the facts on refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia and beyond. Volunteer, donate, support.
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Dear Mark,
Thank you once again for your kind words, encouragement, and valuable guidance. I truly appreciate your continued support and the time you’ve taken to help me explore possible options.
I will definitely be more careful with my personal details and only use private messages for sensitive information moving forward.
I will follow your advice and reach out to the organisations you mentioned. If you or anyone in the forum hears of an individual, group, or charity who may be open to acting as a proposer, I would be incredibly grateful to be connected.
Thank you for believing in my resilience – it means a lot during these very difficult times.
Warmest regards,
Mahdi Albadri
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No problems at all, Mahdi, and please keep in touch! 🤗
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Dear Mark,
Thank you so much again for your continued kindness and support.
I will definitely stay in touch and keep you updated on any progress. Just knowing that there are people like you out there who care means more to me than words can express.
Warm regards,
Mahdi Albadri
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