Updated January 09, 2019 16:55:13

Photo: The UNHCR has found Rahaf Alqunun is a genuine refugee. (Twitter: @Sophiemcneill)

The UN refugee agency has referred the case of a Saudi woman claiming asylum to Australia for consideration.

Rahaf Alqunun, 18, was stopped by Saudi officials in Thailand on her way to Australia.

She barricaded herself in a hotel room at a Bangkok airport, saying she risked being killed by her family if she was deported back to Saudi Arabia.

The UNHCR has assessed her case and found she is a refugee.

In a statement, the Department of Home Affairs says it will consider the referral from the UN in the usual way.

She will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments.

More to come.

Topics: refugees, immigration, thailand, saudi-arabia, australia

First posted January 09, 2019 16:44:23