'Some were upset, angry, one was crying': significant concerns over invasive Doha searches

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne has described an incident at Doha airport, where 13 Australian women were invasively searched without their consent, as a "grossly disturbing" and "concerning" set of events.

The women were subjected to invasive physical searches without their consent this month, after reports that airport terminal staff in Doha discovered a premature baby abandoned in a bathroom earlier.

Women, including a mother with her children, on the Qatar Airways flight to Sydney were subjected to invasive physical searches.

The incident, first revealed in a Seven News investigation on Sunday, took place on board flight QR908 from Doha to Sydney on October 2. It is alleged Qatari authorities forced the women to remove their underwear for a genital examination in an ambulance on the tarmac.

Sydney lawyer Wolfgang Babeck, returning to Australia from Germany, was a passenger on the 42-person flight. He said most of those on the flight were in transit from various locations in western Europe.

"Speaking beforehand, we exchanged some of our stories because many had been knocked back from flights two or three times trying to get home," he said.

Dr Babeck said one of the women searched was a mother travelling with her two children. Some of the other women were travelling with partners, while others were alone.

"Obviously some were upset, some were angry ... one was also crying," he said of when the women were brought back into the cabin.

He said the plane's staff did not appear to know what had occurred.

"We all spoke with the aeroplane's staff but they were not informed; it was not very transparent."

A statement from Hamad Airport said the baby remained unidentified but was safe and receiving care.

The incident occurred at Hamad Airport in Doha. Credit: Shutterstock

"Medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing [the airport]," the statement read.

"Individuals who had access to the specific area of the airport where the newborn infant was found were asked to assist in the query."

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is still seeking information from the women and has made counselling and mental health services available to them.

Senator Payne said Australia was taking the incident "extremely seriously" and had taken it up directly with Qatari authorities both in Canberra and in Doha.

"We are awaiting the imminent outcome of a report from the Qatari authorities," she said.

Senator Payne said the matter was raised with DFAT shortly after the incident occurred and she understood the matter had also been reported to the Australian Federal Police.

"This is a grossly disturbing, offensive, concerning set of events. It is not something I have ever heard of occurring in my life in any context."

Asked what action the government would take against Qatari authorities, Senator Payne said she wanted to "see the report of what occurred at the airport", which she understood would be made available.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said she has serious concerns about the incident. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

"It has been taken up directly with the [Qatari] ambassador here, and of course directly with authorities in Doha."

Asked whether the women were subject to sexual assault, Senator Payne said, "I’m not suggesting that because I have not seen the detailed report of the set of events."

"But in terms of the consent to a physical examination by medical professionals – that does raise significant concerns," she added.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong tweeted on Monday morning that the opposition supported the investigation.

The airport said it discovered the baby in a bathroom and had concerns for the wellbeing of the mother. Credit: iStock

"These women should never have been subjected to this outrageous violation," she wrote.

"Labor supports the government in registering Australia’s serious concerns with Qatari authorities.

"We expect Qatari authorities to be transparent – and ensure this type of treatment is not repeated."

Labor leader Anthony Albanese told ABC News Breakfast on Monday that reports of the searches were "really disturbing".

"The idea that women could be subject to these very intrusive searches is, in my view, an absolute disgrace," he said, adding that the federal government should make the "strongest possible protest" to the Qatari government.

"Also anyone who has heard those reports will be thinking with just a great deal of sympathy – and our hearts go out to the women impacted by this. This is incredibly intrusive behaviour."

Speaking on Sunrise on Monday, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said no explanation given by Qatari authorities for the examination would be permissible.

"What explanation could you give? It is outrageous and to think that so many people, so many ladies, went through that sort of humiliation."

The 13 women completed their fortnight of hotel quarantine in Sydney, and have since returned to their homes.

A spokesperson for NSW Police, which runs Sydney's hotel quarantine program, said it was aware of the incident and NSW Health had provided the women with medical and psychological support during their stay.

Qatar Airways has been approached for comment.

with Jenny Noyes