Factsheet: Arrivals from Gaza are Assets, Not Liabilities
FACTSHEET
Arrivals from Gaza are Assets, Not Liabilities
Arrivals from Gaza will enrich the Australian economy and society
Introduction
This factsheet is intended to provide accurate, factual and evidence-based information about recent arrivals to Australia from the Gaza Strip. It is essential to clarify the truth and counter misinformation, especially in light of the ongoing debate in Australia and recent comments made by opposition leader Mr Peter Dutton, including the claim that individuals arriving from Gaza pose a national security risk, which are not based on any credible evidence.
Palestinians from Gaza have submitted thousands of visa applications to come to Australia over the past 10 months. 2,800 visa applications were accepted. Of those accepted, only 1,300 individuals (or 46.4%) have been able to successfully arrive in Australia.
- Rejected Visas: It is important to note that visa rejections have been overwhelmingly due to the Australian government’s restrictive visa policies, not due to security concerns.
Demographic Profile
The following figures are based on a sample of more than 230 adult individuals (aged 18 and above) who are recent arrivals from Gaza and have requested consular services from the General Delegation of Palestine in Canberra.
Key Figures:
- 61.5% are Males; 38.5% are Females.
- 74.7% are Muslims; 25.3% are Christians.
- 80% hold at least one educational qualification beyond primary/secondary school.
- 73% hold a Bachelor Degree or higher.
- The most common employment/occupational categories are;
- Engineering, Science and Technical Professionals (18%)
- Medical and Health Professionals (12%)
Below and on the following page are comprehensive tables with a detailed breakdown of the data:
Gender
|
GENDER |
% |
|
Females |
38.5% |
|
Males |
61.5% |
Age Distribution
|
AGE GROUP |
% |
|
19-25 |
16% |
|
26-35 |
29% |
|
36-45 |
23% |
|
46-55 |
14% |
|
56-65 |
12% |
|
66 and over |
6% |
Religious Affiliations
|
RELIGION |
% |
|
Christianity |
25.3% |
|
Islam |
74.7% |
Marital Status
|
MARITAL STATUS |
% |
|
Married |
63% |
|
Single |
30% |
|
Divorced/Separated |
4% |
|
Widow/Widower |
2% |
|
Engaged |
1% |
|
Unspecified |
1% |
Educational Attainment
|
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION COMPLETED |
% |
|
School Education (Primary/Secondary School Qualifications) |
17% |
|
Tertiary Education (Post-School Qualifications) Ex. Bachelor Degree, Certificate, Diploma |
61% |
|
Tertiary Education – Postgraduate (Postgraduate Qualifications) Ex. Master’s Degree |
16% |
|
Tertiary Education – Doctoral Degree (Doctorate/Doctor of Philosophy/PhD) |
3% |
|
Unspecified |
3% |
Occupational Categories
|
DISTRIBUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES |
% |
|
Engineering, Science and Technical Professionals Includes Engineering Professionals, Technicians and Trade Workers, Architects, etc. |
18% |
|
Medical and Health Professionals Includes Medical Practitioners, Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists, Specialist Medical Practitioners (Ex. Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Paediatrician, Audiologist), etc. |
12% |
|
Business and Financial Professionals Includes Accountants, Auditors, and Company Secretaries, Business, Human Resources, and Marketing Professionals, etc. |
10% |
|
Managers and Administrators Includes Business Administrators, Business Owners, CEO’s, Clerical and Administrative Workers, Specialist Managers, Accounting Managers, etc. |
10% |
|
Legal, Social, and Education Professionals Includes Lawyers, Social Workers, Teachers, University Lecturers, Interpreters, etc. |
9% |
|
Students Includes Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students. |
8% |
|
Homemakers |
4% |
|
Media, Communication and Creative Professionals Includes Journalists and other Writers, Marketing and Public Relations Professions, etc. |
3% |
|
Laborers, Transport and Service Industry Workers |
2% |
|
Retirees |
2% |
|
Unspecified |
20% |