In a move aimed at addressing the needs of individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel, the Australian federal government has extended work rights and Medicare access to certain visa-holders from the region.
Earlier this month, the government unveiled a new regulation that extends these critical services to holders of two specific subclasses of bridging visas E. This regulation, which took effect on August 12, applies to individuals from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, VisaGuide.World reports.
New Regulation Expands Access to Medicare for E Visa Holders & Their Families
Under the new regulation, holders of these visas, who had already been granted work rights, will also gain access to Medicare services. At the same time, immediate family members holding the same visa subclasses will also benefit from this extended support.
As reported by the Guardian, the legislative changes relate to subclasses 50 and 51 of the E Visa Guidelines. Subclass 50 is granted to individuals while they are finalizing their immigration status or making arrangements to leave Australia, while subclass 51 is given to them while their applications are being processed for a protection visa.
The measure is part of the Australian Government’s response to provide additional assistance to those from significantly affected areas of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories impacted by the Hamas-Israel conflict (and their immediate family members on a Bridging Visa E).
Limited Arrival & High Rejections for Palestinians Compared to Israelis
According to Australian government data, between October 7, 2023, and August 12, 2024, a total of 2,922 visas were granted to individuals from the Palestinian territories. However, only 1,300 of these individuals have successfully reached Australia. During this period, a significant number of applications—7,111 in total—were rejected.
In addition, the Department of Home Affairs canceled 43 visitor visas issued to Palestinians from Gaza who was still offshore. Of these, 20 cancellations were later revoked. In contrast, the visa situation for Israeli citizens has been notably different.
From October 7, 2023, to July 31, 2024, Israelis were granted 8,746 visas, mostly visitor visas. Of these, 235 applications were rejected, nine visas were cancelled, and none were reinstated.
Accepted Palestinian applicants are mainly issued visitor visas, granted to individuals with proven family ties to Australia, instead of tourist visas that do not require such relations.
As of July 31, Bridging Visa E subclass figures show that only 25 Israelis and eight Palestinians held subclass 50 visas. No individuals were registered under subclass 51, typically granted to those awaiting protective visa decisions.