Migration Support Program

We provide help and support to refugees, asylum seekers, immigration detainees and other people who are vulnerable as a result of migration. We do this through a range of services and programs such as:

Support for Trafficked People Program: People who have been trafficked are amongst the most isolated members of our community, facing systemic barriers to identification and in accessing services. Many people who have been trafficked may have experienced trauma, physical and psychological abuse and have complex and individualised needs. We aim to meet these health and welfare needs as they recover from their trafficking experience through the provision of this program. Red Cross provides casework support to meet the health and welfare needs of people identified by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as suspected victims of human trafficking, slavery or slavery-like practices including forced marriage and forced labour.

For immediate help, call AFP with questions or to discuss a referral to the Support Program: 131 AFP (131 237)

For further questions, please call Red Cross:

Australian National Office: 03 9341 7597

Australian Red Cross Canberra Office: 02 6234 7695

[email protected]

Status Resolution Support Service Program: This program provides support and assistance to asylum seekers in financial hardship and that have applied for a protection visa. Clients will need to lodge an application with the Department of Immigration and Red Cross can help to gather the information that is needed for the application. Red Cross may also be able to help with the cost of health and character checks, however, the he Department of Immigration decides if applicants are eligible for support. Once approved to the SRSS programme, clients can be assisted with basic living expenses, general health care and protection visa health and character checks. Red Cross can also provide referrals to health services, counselling, accommodation services, material aid such as clothing and furniture, education, legal services and social support. Red Cross provides client service through ‘The Hub’, which also provides an entry point to activities, group educations sessions and other community supports. For help call the Australian Red Cross Canberra Office: 02 6234 7695.

Tracing: the International Tracing Service helps families separated by war, conflict, disaster or migration to locate and re-establish contact with missing family members, and clarify the fate of the missing.The service is free and draws on the resources of Red Cross/Red Crescent national societies in 188 countries, plus the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Emergency Relief program: This program addresses the needs of people who are made vulnerable by migration. It provides financial or material assistance to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who are suffering financial hardship and are not eligible for other support.