Between the latest outbreak of violence in early October and the end of December 2023, Australia issued 2,250 visas to Palestinians. The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) expressed shock at learning that, despite Foreign Minister Penny Wong announcing in November the issuance of 860 visas to people from Gaza, over 2,250 had been issued to Arab Palestinians by December 31. The AJA claimed that many of these visitorsā visas may have been processed and approved within 24 hours of application, with insufficient security screening. They pointed out that Gaza is controlled by Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organization, and is currently a war zone.
The AJA referenced published surveys showing a high level of support for Jihadist terrorism among Palestinians, with some findings indicating a 75 percent approval of the Hamas terror attack of 7 October. A survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 63 percent of Palestinians polled favored āarmed struggleā to secure an independent state and to end Israelās occupation.
AJA President Dr. David Adler accused the Labor government of exhibiting a reckless disregard for the safety and security of Australian citizens, suggesting that Australia is importing Hamas supporters and those who celebrated the 7 October terrorism. The government, however, claimed that all Palestinians offered temporary Australian visas and over 1,700 Israeli citizens have undergone necessary security checks before their visas were granted.
Visa requests from conflict zones may receive priority, and there may be an increase to the number Australia would usually accept. These visas exist as part of Australiaās immigration system and have not been specially created. The visa in question is subclass 600, which allows for temporary entry for up to 12 months, in most cases for individuals to live with family in Australia. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the speed at which the visas were being issued, characterizing the process as risky and dangerous due to the perceived lack of security checks.