Egypt visa Australia

The number of Egyptian nationals in Australia has risen exponentially from under 1,000 in 1947 to over 40,000 in 2021. Historically, this immigration has occurred in waves, triggered by Egypt gaining independence in 1954, conflict in the region in 1967, and ongoing shortages for skilled employment. As a result, there is a diverse Egyptian community within Australia with differing experiences of immigration.

As a result of the complex domestic situation in Egypt and the Middle East, the Australian Government has sought to support Egyptian nationals through protection visas. The political climate of Egypt has been characterised by the authoritarian rule of President Sisi since 2014 when he rose to power after a military coup. The current regime has been consistently criticised for its restriction on political freedoms, crackdowns on dissent, and widespread human rights abuses, including the banning of political parties and imprisonment of journalists and human rights advocates. More recently, a program of systematic detention of peaceful critics of the regime and political activists has been implemented, effectively criminalising civil dissent and implementing strict control over political communications by the Egyptian authorities. These conditions have been further compounded by Egypt’s economic situation, in which an ongoing crisis and austerity measures have caused inflation to rapidly rise, leading to shortages in essential products and thrusting segments of the population into poverty. While some political reforms are expected, these are unlikely to dramatically alter the current domestic political dynamics.

Based on many of these factors, Egyptians may be eligible for protection within Australia. The following sections will detail the various options available.

What is the protection visa process for Egyptian nationals in Australia?

Multiple avenues exist for Egyptian nationals to apply for protection in Australia.

Firstly, Egyptians may seek a protection visa through the Offshore Humanitarian stream (visa application form 842). Applicants will need to demonstrate that resettlement in Australia is required due to facing a well-founded fear of serious harm or discrimination within Egypt. This protection is based on the fact that the applicant is being persecuted based on their race, religion, nationality, and relevant for Egyptians, membership of a particular social group, or political opinions. Applicants need to be outside of Australia when applying for protection through this stream.

Moreover, Egyptian nationals may be afforded protection through the Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202). Applicants will need to demonstrate that they are facing discrimination that amounts to serious violations of their human rights within Egypt. Additionally, applicants must be proposed by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or organisation in Australia, and this proposal must accompany the application. Immediate family members who fall into these categories may act as proposers if they meet the requirements for a split-family visa. Importantly, proposers have various responsibilities for an applicant’s immigration to Australia, which may include providing payment for the applicant's travel if necessary. Applicants need to be outside of Australia when applying for protection under this visa.

Lastly, Egyptian applicants may be afforded protection through a subclass 866 visa. Applicants are required to meet Australia’s protection obligations to qualify for protection. To apply for this visa, applicants must have legally arrived in Australia on another visa and cleared immigration. This visa is intended for applicants who are now seeking asylum after arriving in Australia on a valid visa. If applicants obtain this visa, allowing them to remain in Australia beyond the time stipulated by their original visa.

Applicants must meet other specified requirements, including various health, character, and security requirements, as well as the signing of the Australian values statement.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a Protection visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Supporting documentation for the Egyptian visa

Identity Documents:

• Passport with personal details.
• National identity card.
• Proof of name change.

Humanitarian Circumstances:

• Registration with refugee organisations.
• Statement explaining reasons for leaving their home country.

Visas or Residence Permits:

• Certified copies of current visas or permits.

Relationship Documents:

• Certified copies of marriage certificates or registrations.

Photographs:

• Passport-size photographs per applicant.

Visa Application Forms:

• Refugee and humanitarian proposal forms.

Character Documents:

• Military service records (if applicable).

Notification of Assistance:

• Immigration assistance forms.

Dependents' Documents:

• Identity documents including passports
• Relationship proof.
• Visa application forms or permits.
• Marriage certificates or registrations.
• Character (if applicable).

Translation:

• Translation of non-English material into English.

Document Preparation for Online Applications:

• Colour scans or photos.
• Clarity and labelling.
• Consolidation of multi-page material.
• Sponsorship and travel assistance documentation.

Lodging an Egypt protection visa 

Applicants have several options for submitting their application. The preferred method of lodgment is online, which is recommended due to its convenience and efficiency. Once the visa application form is complete, it can be submitted through the designated online portal. 

Alternatively, paper applications can be mailed to the Special Humanitarian Processing Centre at the Department of Home Affairs in Sydney, NSW. The address for postal applications is GPO Box 9984, Sydney, NSW 2001.

The Australian Embassy in Egypt advises Egyptian applicants that it does not process visa applications and can only provide limited information, directing applicants to contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Egypt visa conditions and compliance

If the application is accepted and a visa is provided, applicants receive various rights and are subject to conditions including: 

Stay and Rights:

• Live, work and study in Australia permanently (beginning upon entry) (no maximum duration)
• Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme (Medicare).
• If eligible, propose family members for permanent residence.
• If eligible, receive Australian citizenship and receive an Australian passport.

Obligations:

• Enter Australia before the specified initial arrival date.
• Obey all Australian laws.
• Notify the Department of any situational changes.
• Subclass 866 visas have travel restrictions attached (Travel Condition 8559, cannot enter Egypt unless a request is made and permission to enter Egypt is provided).

Visa fee:

• Subclass 866 visa fee is $45.
• There is no visa fee for the other two visa types specified above unless applicants are proposed under the Community Support Program.

Travel:

• Applicants are responsible for arranging initial travel to Australia.
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years (after 5 years a Resident Return visa is required).

Applicants should also be aware that there are a variety of programs available to them should they obtain a visa. These programs cover a range of areas, including Australian history and culture, English language and settlement.

The processing time for an Egyptian-Australian visa

Applicants cannot directly contact the Department to inquire about the status of their application. Visa processing times for Egyptian applicants may fluctuate due to various factors. Although the Department endeavours to make decisions promptly, delays may occur while the Department conducts investigations related to relationships, character assessments, and verification of identity documents. Ultimately, visa applications from Egyptian applicants undergo evaluation on a case-by-case basis, and various factors can influence processing times.

Find success with immigration lawyers in Australia

While it's not mandatory to seek the assistance of an Australian Migration Lawyer for visa applications, seeking their services can prove immensely advantageous, especially for Egyptian applicants. Australian Migration Lawyers possess comprehensive knowledge of Australia's immigration laws and their application to various situations. With their expertise, applicants can ensure their submissions adhere to all relevant regulations and include all necessary documentation to meet eligibility criteria. Moreover, they are adept at navigating any legal complexities that may arise during the application process. Their involvement significantly enhances the accuracy of applications, increasing the likelihood of success and alleviating the associated stresses of seeking protection in Australia for applicants from Egypt.

Supporting evidence for your application 

To support a claim for protection, foreign nationals need to provide a detailed statement outlining the well-founded fear of persecution they face. The statement should include a detailed timeline of events leading to the applicant’s departure, the source of the threat, and any attempts made to seek assistance. The statement should also outline how the applicant left Egypt. Applicants should also submit any evidence that supports their statement. Applicants should be aware that their statements must be truthful, specific, and avoid making generalisations or embellishments as the Department will verify any information provided to them.

If other members of the applicant’s family are at risk, they must submit separate statements.

The Egypt protection visa interview

As part of their application, Egyptian applicants may be required to attend an interview organised by the Department. When attending the interview, careful planning and honesty by the applicant are essential. Applicants are recommended to review the materials they have submitted and notify the Department of any changes. In the interview, the Department may ask questions about an applicant’s identity, character, honesty, affiliations, or security concerns, as well as potential risks present in Egypt. The Department will raise any concerns with the applicant's application and may ask for comments if there are any discrepancies. Applicants must provide any relevant information when prompted by the Department. Applicants can seek professional advice from an Australian Migration Lawyer if necessary, particularly regarding correspondence from the Department after the interview. Learn more about protection visa interview questions.

Navigating administrative processes

The visa application process takes place in steps. Before applying, applicants are recommended to first consider what visas they may be eligible for, instead of applying for multiple visas. Egyptian applicants need to gather all required documents for their application, complete the visa application form, and include any required information for partners or dependents. Various processes may occur after an application has been made, including health exams, interviews, and providing biometrics. If there are any errors or missing information on an application, Egyptian applicants should contact the Department. Once a decision is made on an application, the Department will notify the applicant of their approval or rejection. With the support of an Australian Migration Lawyer, applicants can navigate this process confidently and increase their chances of obtaining protection.

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Advice tailored to your case

While Egyptian applicants are capable of applying on their own and there are numerous sources of information that can provide guidance, there may be instances when it's necessary to seek tailored advice based on an Egyptian applicant's circumstances. At Australian Migration Lawyers, initial consultations are available to discuss the suitability of visa options available to applicants, and to strategize on the appropriate process. It is only through conducting an interview that an Australian Migration Lawyer can understand an applicant's circumstances and the specifics of their case.

Hiring legal representatives for appeals and reviews

Australian Migration Lawyers can not only assist with the process of making a visa application but can also provide support to applicants after a decision has been made. Australian Migration Lawyers will not only communicate the outcome of the application to the applicant, but they can also provide advice and support if further steps need to be taken. Australian Migration Lawyers can advise applicants on the avenues for appealing the decision and, if necessary, represent applicants in Australia’s administrative review tribunal or the Federal Court.

Potential changes to immigration

Immigration laws and policies undergo constant changes, which encompass not only domestic circumstances but also broader global events and trends. Predicting the changes that will occur in Australian immigration laws in advance is challenging. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about materials published by the Department and take note of any changes that might affect their application's outcome. Australian Migration Lawyers can assist with this process and have access to relevant information that may affect the claims of potential Egyptian applicants.

Guidance from Australian Migration Lawyers

Migration can be a stressful and complex process for many applicants. While visas can be applied for by an Egyptian applicant alone, seeking assistance from an experienced Australian Migration Lawyer can provide relevant support during this process. This is because Australian Migration Lawyers understand the various visa requirements and can provide tailored guidance and assistance to applicants. This helps simplify the application process and enables applicants to navigate the process with confidence, knowing they have maximised their chances of obtaining protection.