A Liberal Party draft policy proposes suspending visa processing for migrants from specific high-risk regions in 13 countries or territories for up to three years. The plan targets areas under terrorist control, including parts of Gaza, Egypt, Somalia, and the Philippines.
Details of the Draft Proposal
The initiative focuses on regions linked to security threats, such as Mindanao in the Philippines, parts of Somalia, and Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. It avoids blanket bans on entire countries like Somalia or the Philippines but effectively halts immigration from Gaza due to Hamas dominance.
Home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam, immigration spokesman Paul Scarr, and advisers from former Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s office prepared the blueprint. New Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has yet to review it formally.
Senior figures emphasize that the document remains a working draft subject to changes. Deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan confirms it has not reached the shadow cabinet.
Alignment with Global Trends
The approach echoes recent measures in the United States and United Kingdom. The Trump administration paused visas from 75 countries, while the UK imposed restrictions on nations including Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Emphasis on Australian Values
The policy also allows deportation of temporary visa holders who violate core Australian values. Taylor stressed this point on Sunrise, stating: “We believe in basic freedoms of speech and religion, and if people don’t accept those things, they shouldn’t come to our country. The door should be shut.”
Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume advocates a migration “reset.” She remarked: “If you come to this country, you’re expected to not just respect our democracy and our rule of law, but to contribute to our society and our economy as well.”
Hume highlighted skilled migration’s value but criticized current levels: “The rate of migration we have at the moment… the amount is too high, and the standard too low.” She dismissed One Nation’s eight-year pause on certain migrations as “reactionary” and unsustainable.
Affected Countries
The draft identifies these 13 countries for targeted restrictions:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Somalia
- Yemen
Taylor integrates this with broader calls to raise migrant standards and uphold national values.
