Move FM Regional news

CANBERRA, March 15 (Xinhua) — The Australian government is facing criticism for canceling the visas of Palestinians fleeing the war in Gaza.

It was revealed on Thursday that several Palestinians who were granted visitor visas by the Australian government have had them suddenly revoked.

Rasha Abbas, executive director of the Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) group, told Nine Entertainment newspapers on Friday that she was aware of at least nine Palestinians who had their visas canceled in recent days.

In one case, she said a man in his 20s was left stranded after being stopped by authorities at Istanbul Airport en route from Cairo to Australia.

“This is happening daily now and they’re not being upfront with us, they’re not telling us what is going on,” Abbas said of the government.

In cancellation letters published by state media the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Nine Entertainment, the government alleged that some of the Palestinians intended to breach the terms of their visa by staying in Australia past their visa expiration date.

Most of the 4,600 visas granted by Australia to Palestinians and Israelis since October are subclass 600 visas, the ABC reported, which allow a holder to stay in Australia for up to 12 months but do not allow them to work, access education or healthcare in the country.

Asked about the cancellations on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged very difficult circumstances for affected families.

“The government makes these decisions,” he said at a press conference, adding that “these decisions are made from advice based upon the individuals.”