A temporary exclusion order has been issued by the federal government to prevent the return of an Australian national who is suspected of having ties to Islamic State.
Following an attempt by a group of Australians detained in north eastern Syria to begin their journey back to Australia, the action was taken.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, security agencies advised that one member of the group be prohibited from returning to Australia for a maximum of two years.
Burke said in a statement, “I can confirm that one individual in this cohort has been issued a temporary exclusion order.”
34 Australians, comprising 11 women and 23 children from 11 families, are covered by the order, they have been detained in the Al Roj camp for over six years.
On Monday, the group departed the camp with the intention of flying to Australia after arriving in Damascus. The convoy was halted and sent back by Syrian authorities.
According to Reuters, the group was dismissed due to insufficient documentation and broader procedural issues were reported by Australian media.
The government would not assist the group in returning, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, “National security must come first,” he said.
In 2019, temporary exclusion orders were implemented.
They can be applied to Australians who are deemed a security risk and are at least 14 years old, until they obtain a return permit, which may have restrictions, the order prevents them from entering Australia.
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The Coalition demanded more forceful action once more. It raised concerns about how only one individual satisfied the legal requirements.
Additionally, legal experts have cautioned that Australia has responsibilities to its citizens.
They claimed that keeping people stranded in Syria could make them more susceptible to radicalization. It is currently unclear when there will be another attempt at travel.
