Coptic Christians who were refused refugee status in Australia will have their claims for protection reconsidered, following a spate of violent assaults on the religious minority in Egypt.

About 20 Coptic families previously facing forced removal from Australia will be given visas to stay in the country while their claims are re-evaluated.

Persecution of Christians in Egypt by terrorists aligned with Islamic State has significantly worsened in recent months, with a series of bombings and targeted massacres.