The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to introduce a humanitarian visa pathway for Palestinians fleeing Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
While this pathway is a crucial step, mirroring the support so rightfully and urgently provided to other refugees escaping conflict, such as Ukrainians, we are disappointed and concerned that it took one year for the government to respond to the dire need for humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
This delay has left many vulnerable people in limbo, exacerbating their trauma and uncertainty during an already desperate time.
This delay, along with broader inconsistencies in Australia’s approach to supporting Palestinians fleeing Israel’s genocide, results from anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim bias in Australia’s immigration system.This must be immediately addressed.
APAN is pleased this new humanitarian visa grants essential rights, including the ability to work, access to Medicare, settlement support, and social services, all of which are vital for enabling newly arrived Palestinians to rebuild their lives in the wake of such unimaginable oppression and trauma.
We now urge the government to ensure newly arrived Palestinians also have access to tertiary education, to ensure they can fully realise their potential, contribute to society, and forge new beginnings, with dignity and opportunity.
For Palestinians from Gaza, returning home is not an option due to Israel’s ongoing genocide and its destruction of communities, infrastructure, and essential services.
We therefore also implore the government to ensure this three-year visa offers newly arrived Palestinians a pathway to permanent residency, guaranteeing a long-term solution that provides people with a sense of certainty and stability.