The federal government suggests Palestinians escaping the war in Gaza “without explanation” of how they fled is a factor in their Australian visas being cancelled.
The ABC spoke with 23-year-old Hani who arrived at Istanbul airport on the way to Australia when he was informed his visa was cancelled.Finally escaping the horrors of the Gaza Strip and holding onto hope for some reprieve, Hani has found himself trapped in visa limbo."I left Gaza and decided to get out of the war and the bombing, and when I got my visa to Australia, I kind of felt I was going to a better and safer place," Hani said."Maybe it's like a political thing.
"If people make it out of Gaza without explanation, or their circumstances change in any meaningful way, we will take the time to understand those changes before proceeding," the spokesperson said. The ABC understands most of the visas given to Palestinians and Israelis since October 7 are subclass 600 visas, in the sponsored family stream, allowing whoever applies to stay in Australia for up to 12 months if they have a family sponsor.Australia's decision to grant visas for Palestinians has prompted a round of political bickering surrounding the processes that were followed.
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