An nun deported from the Philippines after speaking out against human rights abuses is back in Australia and has said the country must stand up to Rodrigo Duterte.

Family and friends rushed to hug the 72-year-old, who was kicked out of the Philippines for speaking out against human rights abuses

"I'm so happy to be back but I'm sad at the same time," Sr Fox said this morning.

Australian nun Patricia Fox. (AAP)

The catholic nun had lived in the country for almost three decades but had her missionary visa cancelled for challenging policies of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The woman said she came to his attention after going on a fact-finding mission in the president's home province.

Her group found evidence of murders, land confiscations and jailing of protesters.

Filipino President, Robert Duterte. (AAP)

"There's been a culture of impunity for a long time but it's getting worse," she said.

The nun said she had been blacklisted from the country and wouldn't be able to return until Rodrigo Duterte is no longer president.

"I don't think I can say what I think of him," she said.

She also thanked members from the Filipino community who were there to welcome her.

The Australian nun left for Australia yesterday night. (AAP)

"We didn't expect it and the support has been amazing," she said.

But she called on the Australian government to stand up to the Filipino president.

"I think they need to (be more forceful)...we have to start being responsible for what's happening over there," she said.

Family and friends at the airport were excited to see Sr Fox but acknowledged how hard it was for her to be back.

Fox was greeted by dozens of people at Melbourne Airport this morning. (AAP)

Her older brother Kevin Fox said he'd been worried about her safety while she was overseas.

"You don't really know what's happening over there," he said.

"She didn't want to leave but she's accepted the fact that she's got to," Mr Fox said.

He was proud of his sister and she had always had strong convictions.

Members of the Phillipines Australia Solidarity association were also at the airport to welcome the nun home and praised her courage and unwavering fight for justice.

"We look forward to once again stand with her in the struggle for social justice and human rights in the Philippines and Australia," PASA spokeswoman May Kotsakis said.

Since April, Sr Fox has resisted attempts by immigration officials to be rid of her.

But her missionary visa expired while various appeals were still being pursued and she was given a temporary tourist visa that expired on November 3.

Her ordeal has stirred debate in the Philippines about the wider issue of whether expatriates should be free to take a stand on human rights.

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