List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

7.29

The committee recognises the tragic situation facing the people of Afghanistan and as the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, the committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to provide ongoing targeted multi-year funding, including through the United Nation’s Humanitarian Response Plan for Afghanistan, which may need to increase in response to the scale of increased need.

Recommendation 2

7.30

Given the severity of the crises facing the people of Afghanistan, the committee recommends that the Australian Government utilise the most effective channels for aid funding and distribution, which may include United Nations, World Food Programme and non-government organisation (NGO) channels.

Recommendation 3

7.37

The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to liaise with its key allies and United Nations contacts and work together to develop solutions to the ongoing liquidity crisis. Mechanisms should be multi-faceted and flexible and must provide confidence for donors and the financial sector. However, importantly, any approach taken must also emphasise the clear international expectation that the Taliban do not interfere with the provision of aid to the people of Afghanistan.

Recommendation 4

7.67

The committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs urgently improve its processes and communication in relation to Afghan visa applicants, including by:

urgently sending acknowledgments to all visa applicants from Afghanistan to assist with ongoing processing and communication;

publishing more detailed criteria and guidance about how humanitarian visas for the Afghan cohort will be prioritised, as well as expected average timeframes for visa applications to be assessed;

ensuring applicants on subclass 449 visas are given sufficient time and resources to lodge their permanent visa applications; and

issuing additional subclass 449 visas as necessary to overseas split family members of evacuees in Australia, to ensure family unity is preserved in permanent visa applications.

Recommendation 5

7.78

The committee recommends that the Australian Government conduct a review of the Humanitarian Settlement Program’s (HSP) structure and funding arrangements to provide greater operational stability for HSP providers and greater flexibility in the way services can be delivered during a crisis or emergency.

Recommendation 6

7.82

The committee recommends that the Australian Government enhances comprehensive settlement planning for the ongoing intake of Afghan refugees, in conjunction with the settlement services sector, relevant community groups, and state, territory and local governments.

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