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3/09/2021

The AAT recognises the significance of recent events in Afghanistan and the impact on visa holders and applicants.

 We will be guided by a range of considerations, including any advice provided or position adopted by the  UNHCR for active protection cases involving visa applicants within Australia.

 For cases involving review of family or partner visas where the visa applicant resides in Afghanistan, the Tribunal will assign priority to cases alongside other cases granted priority for compelling reasons. Whether these cases can be conducted expeditiously during the current lockdowns will depend on the issues arising, the need to conduct a hearing and whether a remote hearing is suitable or possible, and the availability of parties.

 For all matters involving Afghan citizens, it is open to applicants and representatives to provide updated information where it is relevant in accordance with the appropriate COVID-19 Special Measure Practice Direction for Migration & Refugee Division or General Division matters.