Surge in Palestinians applying for protection while in Australia prompts calls to create ‘emergency uplift’ visa

Exclusive: Use of tourist visas not fit for purpose, advocates say, as Gaza man describes how coming to Australia on one has left him with no rights'

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The number of Palestinians applying onshore for protection in Australia has ballooned, prompting calls from refugee advocates for the creation of an emergency uplift" visa rather than people fleeing conflict relying on tourist visas to escape.

Home affairs department statistics for May revealed 119 people from the Palestinian Authority" had applied for onshore protection visas, up from 66 in April, 110 in March, 88 in February and 33 in January.