Scott Morrison has rejected calls to take more Afghan refugees in a special-one off intake outside Australia's regular humanitarian cap.
The United States has officially withdrawn its remaining troops from Afghanistan, which is now controlled by the Taliban after 20 years of western forces' involvement.
A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in the war-torn nation with many trying to flee the regime left behind, despite 122,000 people being evacuated including more than 4000 in Australia's mission.
The prime minister said Australia's commitment to allocate 3000 places of its 13,750-person humanitarian cap this financial year was in line with previous efforts.
In 2015, the Abbott government announced a special one-off intake of 12,000 people from Syria.
"Let me remind you what happened with Syria - we did 12,000 in that first year. Of that 12,000 we did 3000 in the first year," Mr Morrison told 5AA radio on Tuesday.
"What I've said is, we will do, we think, at least 3000 this year. I actually think it will be more."
He said the challenge would be working out ways to get people out of Afghanistan through partner agencies and countries.
"If the overall intake has to be increased to accommodate those additional numbers then it will be."
Mr Morrison said Australia evacuated four times the amount of people initially expected.
But he is still yet to speak to US President Joe Biden after the evacuation operation.
The prime minister denied he was "on the nose" with the American leader who has spoken to counterparts from the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Qatar, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
"I just don't agree with that. I've been dealing with the United States on many issues, and we continue to do that," he said.
Mr Morrison said he anticipated a conversation with Mr Biden was not too far away.
The Australian Red Cross is facing a surge in calls for help from people desperate to reach their loved ones caught up in the chaos in Afghanistan.
"This is a hugely distressing time," protection manager Nicole Batch said.
"Everyone in Australia should be sensitive to the fear and uncertainty this is causing, and support people in our communities who have friends or family in Afghanistan - they are living through this crisis."
She said recent suicide attacks in Kabul further heightened the Afghan community's distress.
"We are getting calls from people distressed because they can't reach their loved ones. They are worried and searching for answers."
