Country Programs

Australia currently has an active intercountry adoption arrangement with 12 countries, including:

  • Bulgaria
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Poland
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand

For more information on Australia’s intercountry adoption programs, including eligibility criteria and post adoption support, visit the Intercountry Adoption Australia website.

Reactivation of the India-Australia intercountry adoption program

Updated 4 July 2024

Australia began the reactivation of the India-Australia intercountry adoption program using a careful, staged approach
in April 2019.

During the initial phase, Australia's two participating jurisdictions – Queensland (Qld) and Northern Territory (NT) – have been assessing a small number of people and forwarding files of suitable applicants to the Indian adoption authority for consideration and action.

On 26 June 2024 the NT suspended its participation in the program reactivation until further notice.

The remaining state and territory central authorities (STCAs) including the NT, will continue to monitor processes and be guided by key learnings before determining their future involvement.

This staged approach is allowing all Australian federal, state and territory governments to closely monitor the initial cases and build an understanding of the new safeguards and standards introduced in India’s revised intercountry adoption program.

For the reactivation to operate as smoothly as possible, Australia must take the necessary time to complete all aspects of this important first stage.

For further information or to express  interest in the India program, people living in Qld can contact the Qld central authority:

Programs currently on hold

The Philippines

The Philippines program is still on hold. In 2018, the Philippines Government advised that they will not be accepting adoption applications from Australia. This also includes for the adoption of a relative or known child.

We are discussing options with the Philippines Government to resolve the program hold.

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