Australia has temporarily barred certain visitors from Iran from entering the country effective Thursday, March 26. The Department of Home Affairs announced the six-month measure saying the Iran war has raised the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire.
The ban applies to holders of certain visitor visas that were issued after applications made with an Iranian passport, specifically for visa holders who are currently outside Australia. The Home Affairs Department said those Australian visitor visas “temporarily ceased to be in effect” from Thursday for this group.
Some exceptions are in place, including for people married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and for those with a child under 18 who is in Australia.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said many visitor visas issued before the conflict “may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” adding that decisions about permanent stays should be deliberate government choices, not accidental outcomes of travel plans.
The department told Reuters the measure is intended to protect the integrity of Australia’s immigration system.
The decision drew criticism from advocacy groups and some politicians. The Asylum Seeker Resource Center called the move “heartless,” saying it adds “unnecessary trauma and harm” to Iranians already affected by the war and accused the government of slamming the door when people most need safety. Politician David Shoebridge said Iranians have few options to apply.
Australian-Iranian relations have been tense recently. About 86,000 people living in Australia were born in Iran, according to 2023 Home Affairs figures, with sizable communities in Sydney and Melbourne.
Earlier this month, Australia granted asylum to seven members and officials of Iran’s women’s football team who were visiting for the Asian Cup, triggering a diplomatic row. The players had faced backlash at home after refusing to sing the national anthem; five of the seven later reversed their decisions to seek refuge, raising concerns that their families might have faced pressure.
Kate Hairsine contributed to this article, which was edited by Rana Taha.