Story perspectives

Australia Threatened with Passport Cancellations as Refugee Women, Children Return

5/6/2026

Left

Duniam Warns Passports

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam warned the government could still cancel the travelers’ passports before they board flights.
Four Australian women and nine children will arrive Thursday evening after departing the Al Roj refugee camp in Syria.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the children will receive integration, therapeutic support and counter-violent-extremism programs.
Minister Tony Burke said no assistance will be given, stating adult offenders will face force.

Right

Australia Declines Funding

The U.S. began moving Islamic State members out of Syria in January 2026, leaving fewer than 1,000 families by February.
Australia announced it will not fund the repatriation of 13 Islamic State-linked citizens.
Australian authorities have maintained contingency plans for returning Islamic State-linked citizens since 2014.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said returning children will receive integration, therapeutic support and counter-violent-extremism programs.

History

Historical Context

Australia’s 2015 Counter-Terrorism (Foreign Fighters) Amendment built on earlier concerns that ASIO estimated over 200 Australians had joined IS by 2014, prompting UN Security Council Resolution 2178 in November 2014 and a similar New Zealand passport-suspension law in December 2014. The amendment now allows revoking passports of citizens linked to overseas conflicts, shaping current repatriation debates.

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Duniam Warns Passports

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam warned the government could still cancel the travelers’ passports before they board flights.
Four Australian women and nine children will arrive Thursday evening after departing the Al Roj refugee camp in Syria.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the children will receive integration, therapeutic support and counter-violent-extremism programs.
Minister Tony Burke said no assistance will be given, stating adult offenders will face force.

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