The Australian Government has granted over 3,000 visas to Ukrainians since 23 February 2022, as part of the international response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, all Ukrainian nationals in Australia with a visa that is due to expire by 30 June 2022 will be given an automatic extension for six months, and the Government continues to progress applications from Ukrainians across all visa categories as a priority.
Australia is funding trusted humanitarian partners to ensure life-saving assistance reaches vulnerable Ukrainians quickly. This funding will help provide shelter, emergency relief, and psychosocial support to those in need.
This week I met with Adrian Edwards, Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to receive a briefing on UNHCR activities in Europe and to reaffirm Australia's commitment to support international efforts to assist those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The Australian Government stands ready to assist Ukrainians through a range of temporary and permanent migration pathways. During this meeting I also received an update on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and discussed Australia's ongoing efforts to resettle vulnerable Afghans.
I continue to meet with leaders of the Ukrainian-Australian community to discuss Australia's ongoing participation in the international response to the invasion, to provide updates on Government support measures that are available, and to receive valuable feedback and input. I have also met with representatives from Australia's Eastern European communities to discuss developments and to extend the Australian Government's continued support.
Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked, unjust and illegal war. The invasion is a gross violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Australia strongly supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and we deeply regret the already high number of casualties, in particular the Ukrainian civilians killed so far in the conflict.
