The experiences of people fleeing conflict and persecution can be shaped by intersecting vulnerabilities, making flexible and gender-responsive humanitarian pathways essential to effective protection. For Afghan women in particular, barriers within visa systems can affect access to resettlement, family reunification, community sponsorship, and other pathways to safety.

This research article, “Department of Home Affairs’ implementation of WPS – the case of Afghan women applying to come to Australia,” by Susan Hutchinson, examines how Australia’s visa policies and processes address the protection needs of high-risk Afghan women. Drawing on practitioner reflections, quantitative data, and case studies from advocacy work with Afghan women, the paper examines humanitarian, family reunion, community sponsorship, and skilled refugee labour pathways, identifying concerns around processing delays, restrictive eligibility criteria, and insufficient prioritization of women facing heightened risks.

The article offers an important perspective on gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches to visa processing and contributes to broader discussions on how special responses can better address the protection needs of women and girls affected by conflict and displacement.