Skip to navigation Skip to content

Settlement, challenges and barriers for refugees, humanitarian entrants and protection visa holders 005-02060060

Expand/Collapse all sectionsExpand all


This document outlines information about settlement issues, challenges and barriers that refugees, humanitarian entrants and protection visa holders may face when arriving in Australia.

Settling in Australia

Settlement refers to the period of adjustment that occurs following a migrant or refugee's arrival in a new country, as they become established and independent in their new society.

Migrants and refugees are not a homogenous group. The issues and challenges faced by people settling in Australia will vary greatly depending on whether they are a migrant, a refugee or humanitarian entrant, settling in rural or metropolitan areas, or young or aged.

The Resources page contains a table that outlines the differences between longer established and new and emerging communities.

Related links

Communicating with victims of trauma and/or torture

Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program