Australia has reached a historic moment in its humanitarian program, officially welcoming its one millionth refugee since the end of World War II.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the milestone on Friday, announcing the achievement in a social media post. “Australia has just granted its one millionth refugee visa since the end of the Second World War,” the department wrote.
“In the last 10 years alone, people from around the world have found safety and a new beginning in Australia. They have enriched the Australian community, added to our social fabric and strengthened our economy. The one-millionth grant is more than a number. It represents a million stories of families rebuilding their lives in a country where they can belong and contribute to a vibrant shared future.”
“Australia’s world-class settlement services and not-for-profit organisations have played a key role in helping refugee and humanitarian entrants settle in Australia. Today is an opportunity to reflect on and to acknowledge the positive impact refugees and humanitarian entrants have made in Australian sport, business, philanthropy, public life and more.”
Australia’s formal humanitarian resettlement program began in 1947, when more than 170,000 refugees from Eastern Europe arrived over five years as the nation rebuilt after the war. Later decades saw significant arrivals following the Vietnam War — which brought around 100,000 people — as well as conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, East Timor, Lebanon and Sudan.
For 2024–25, Australia’s refugee intake is set at 20,000 places, with a long-term commitment of 26,500 places reserved for Afghan nationals between 2021–22 and 2025–26.
Earlier, Home Affairs noted in a policy discussion paper that global demand for resettlement is intensifying amid geopolitical upheaval, multiple conflicts and reduced international humanitarian programs.
“Demand for places under the humanitarian program is unprecedented, following record levels of forced displacement, and is expected to continue due to global instability.”
More than 300,000 people are currently waiting for resettlement under Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program, with the majority applying from overseas. Most visas granted since 1947 — more than 850,000 — have gone to refugees applying offshore, while just over 81,000 were granted to people seeking protection after arriving in Australia.
The program now prioritises applicants from conflict-affected regions including the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Priority is also given to those recognised by the UNHCR, immediate family members of refugees already in Australia and applicants from minority groups.
Refugee advocates say the milestone offers a moment to reflect not only on Australia’s long-running humanitarian role but also on how the country can strengthen its response to unprecedented global displacement.
The department said it may take time to determine the exact details of where and when the one millionth visa was granted, but emphasised that each visa represents a personal story of safety, resettlement and hope — a continuation of a legacy that began in 1947 when then-immigration minister Arthur Calwell signed Australia’s first refugee agreement in Geneva.
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