Statement from the Asylum Seekers Centre on the cancellation of Palestinian visas

Statement from Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush OAM on reports that Palestinians fleeing the war in Gaza had their Australian visas cancelled while mid-air travelling to Australia:

“The Asylum Seekers Centre is deeply concerned about the reports of Palestinians fleeing the war in Gaza having their Australian visas cancelled while en route to Australia.

“People seeking asylum from Gaza and around the world are fleeing unimaginable danger. We see the impacts of visa uncertainty and unfairness, and wilfully complex systems every day. We cannot treat people fleeing danger in such a careless and harmful way, particularly when doing so risks exacerbating existing physical and mental health conditions.

“We are calling on the government to urgently explain and rectify the cancellation of visas for Palestinians fleeing Gaza.”