Palestinian Woman Freed After Aussie Visa Revoked

A Palestinian woman, Maha Almassri, has recently been released after spending over a week in detention due to the cancellation of her Australian visa.
The Situation
Maha was taken from her home in Punchbowl, Sydney, at 5 am last Thursday. Initially, she was held at Bankstown police station before being transferred to the Villawood detention centre. Her visa was revoked by Assistant Citizenship Minister Julian Hill, following her failure to meet the character test criteria, a requirement that assesses an individual’s suitability in terms of behaviour and conduct.
Ms Almassri fled Gaza in early 2024 and arrived in Australia, where she was granted a bridging visa.
In a document seen by the Australian Media, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Customs Julian Hill “personally” decided to cancel her visa because he reasonably suspected that she “does not pass the character test”.
The document stated that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) advised the immigration department “it had assessed Ms Almassri to be directly or indirectly a risk to security”.
Release Details
On Thursday night, a private Facebook post confirmed her release, which has been verified by a source close to her family. However, the details regarding her immigration status and the circumstances of her release remain unclear.
Understanding Visa Cancellation in Australia
In Australia, the Migration Act enables the Minister for Home Affairs, or a delegate, to cancel a visa on character grounds or if it is in the national interest. In Maha’s case, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation identified her as a potential security risk, stating she failed the character test.
If you’re considering a move to Australia, it’s essential to be aware of these processes, especially if you’re exploring opportunities for visa sponsorship or permanent residency.
Government Responses
When approached for comments, a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the government would not discuss specific cases like this one. They emphasised that any public information may not align with what intelligence agencies hold.
The handling of Maha’s case has drawn criticism. Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie described the entire situation as “shambolic”, questioning why a person deemed a security risk was released into the community just a week later. He also highlighted concerns about visa policies, particularly regarding the issuance of tourist visas to individuals from Gaza without thorough security checks.
Implications for International Job Seekers
For those seeking job opportunities in Australia, it’s essential to understand how immigration laws can impact your visa status. If you’re pursuing a skilled migration pathway, such as a 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) or 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), passing the character test is crucial. Ensure that you meet the requirements to avoid complications.
If you have any questions about your journey to move to Australia or New Zealand, don’t hesitate to ask!
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