Campaigners for refugee rights have urged the Australian government to issue an 'emergency uplift' visa for Palestinians fleeing the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to The Guardian, the number of Palestinians seeking protection in Australia nearly doubled in May compared to April.

119 Palestinians applied for protection in May, up from 66 in April.

The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to increased arrivals and the need for more accessible protection processes.

Currently, most refugees arrive on tourist visas, which RACS and the Asylum Seeker Resource Center argue are inadequate for long-term stays and do not allow for work, study, or healthcare.

They call for a visa similar to the 449 visa used during the Afghan evacuation to address these urgent needs.