Mass visa rejections for Palestinians an abrogation of Australia’s responsibility in humanitarian crises

15 August 2024

The Australian Government's rejection of over 7,000 Palestinians fleeing Israel's relentless assault on Gaza is a shocking abdication of its legal and moral obligations to provide safety to those in crisis. Despite the catastrophic toll on Gaza's population, the government's response remains inadequate .

For more than two million Palestinians, there is nowhere safe to go. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) estimates 75% of the population of Gaza are displaced, yet Australia has failed to offer them adequate humanitarian protection. The International Court of Justice has recognised the grave risk of genocide faced by Palestinians in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's siege on Gaza and blockade of essential aid.

In contrast, Canada announced the expansion of its visa cap to 5,000, granting refugees rights to work, study and access to medical care. Canada is also considering streamlined processes for processing refugee claims- a commendable model for Australia to follow.

Previously, Australia has granted over 11,000 Ukrainians temporary visas and offered 6000 additional places over three years to Afghan refugees under its humanitarian program.

Amnesty International Australia urges the Australian government to immediately extend similar measures to Palestinians fleeing Gaza. This includes establishing a fair and compassionate visa process and ensuring access to essential settlement support services.

News of mass visa rejections coincide with Peter Dutton's dangerous call to deny all Palestinians entry to Australia, escalating anti-Palestinian rhetoric and influencing harmful policy decisions. Australia must step up and fulfil its obligations to those in desperate need.

Mohamed Duar, Occupied Palestinian Territories Spokesperson at Amnesty International Australia, says:

"Australia has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment and will to providing urgent and generous humanitarian settlement services to those forced to flee crises, as seen in our responses to crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan.

"Israel's continued attacks on civilians, bombardment and unlawful blockade of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical provisions has escalated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to catastrophic levels. Palestinians remain at grave risk of genocide the need has never been greater.

"The portrayal of Palestinians in the media as 'Hamas supporters or sympathisers' is misleading, discriminatory, and inflammatory. This narrative is rooted in racist presumptions that ultimately suggest some lives are more valuable than others.

"The Department of Home Affairs has imposed severe restrictions on visa issuance for Palestinians fleeing the devastation in Gaza and cancelling visas on the grounds of perceived 'security risks'. All visa applicants are subjected to stringent security checks, a process that is inherently inadequate and unfair. These checks have become a barrier to those in desperate need of safety, further limiting the already inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis.

"1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza have endured the horrors of constant bombardment, and displacement after displacement. Australia has a duty to protect civilians and provide a humanitarian pathway to those fleeing to safety."

BACKGROUND

Since the 7th of October 2023, Israel has killed 40,000 Palestinians including 14,000 children with 92,000 injured and thousands buried under rubble. 1.7 million Palestinians endure relentless bombardment, displacement and starvation used as a weapon of war.

Israel has continued to flagrantly violate international law, resulting in civilians fleeing a humanitarian catastrophe unlike anything we have seen in recent history.

Despite the severity of the crisis, Palestinians are offered only tourist visas, leaving them without rights, and entirely dependent on their families or community until they can apply for a Bridging Visa E. Many of these visas are due to expire which causes increased distress and anxiety within the community who are seeking permanent protection for their family.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, over 7000 visas have been rejected, and only 2,922 visas approved. Of those only 1,300 of women, men and children have safely arrived in Australia.

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