Last IS-linked Australian woman from Syrian camp to return despite previous ban

An Australian woman with suspected ties to the Islamic State group has been granted permission to return to Australia, marking the final repatriation of Australian women and children from Syrian refugee camps. The government confirmed it could no longer enforce a criminal exclusion order preventing her return.

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The temporary exclusion order applies until a [return] permit is issued. And when a permit is requested, a permit lawfully has to be issued.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the woman will face "an unprecedented level of security monitoring." This includes constant surveillance and mandatory regular reporting to authorities. She must also provide 24 hours' notice before using any communication device, such as a mobile phone.

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I’ve been working through with my department, my agencies, Australian federal police and Asio, and with the lawyers to see every possible condition we can put on that permit.

This development is expected to reignite political criticism regarding the government's handling of the group's return. The women and children spent over a decade in the Middle East, first under IS rule and then in squalid detention camps. Some children were born in these camps and have never experienced life in Australia. Several members of the group have already faced criminal charges upon their return, including allegations of enslavement, joining a terror group, and crimes against humanity.

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We received the final advice yesterday that we can no longer have an exclusion condition any longer for her.