Final 'ISIS Bride' Granted Permit to Return to Australia Under Strict Monitoring

Australia has granted a permit for the last remaining "ISIS bride" to return from Syria, ending a prolonged period of her being stranded abroad. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision, explaining that the government was legally obligated to issue the permit once requested. The woman, an Australian citizen, had previously been subject to a temporary exclusion order due to national security concerns.

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The temporary exclusion order applies until a permit is issued, and when a permit is requested, a permit lawfully has to be issued.

Her return will be accompanied by a high level of scrutiny and surveillance. The government will closely monitor her movements, including where she lives, works, and studies. Furthermore, she must provide 24-hour notice before using any telecommunications device or accessing social media platforms. Minister Burke emphasized that authorities are utilizing the full extent of their legal powers to manage the security risks associated with her return.

ASIO boss Mike Burgess affirmed his agency's involvement and satisfaction with the preparedness of authorities. He stated that ASIO's full capabilities would be employed upon her arrival, particularly for individuals assessed as high or medium security risks. This decision comes amid ongoing debate about the return of foreign fighters and their families, with advocates suggesting some were coerced while others went willingly to conflict zones.

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The full use of my organisation's capability and powers will be used when this individual returns to this country.

Opposition defense spokesperson James Paterson criticized the government's handling of the situation, calling it a failure to protect the Australian community. He argued that the Labor government had reversed a previous decision to block the woman's return, despite her past affiliation with ISIS.

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The bottom line is the Albanese Labor government has issued a return permit to a member of ISIS, an affiliate of ISIS to return to our country, who was previously blocked from returning to our country.