Australia has announced that travellers holding Iranian passports will not be permitted to enter the country for tourism or business over the next six months, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“The Iran conflict has increased the risk some visa holders may be unable – or unlikely – to leave Australia when their visas expire,” said the Australian Department of Home Affairs in a statement.
The temporary travel restrictions that apply “help protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s migration system, and allow the Government time to assess risks before travel happens,” it added.
Some case‑by‑case exceptions will apply, particularly for parents, partners and children of Australian citizens.
It is reported that the move, which comes into force on Thursday, will affect about 6,800 Iranian visa holders.
"Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said on Wednesday.
He further argued that many visitor visas were issued before the armed conflict in Iran and would likely would not be granted if applied for today.
Burke argued that the government was "acting in the national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions", noting that the measure would allow "time to assess the situation properly, while still allowing flexibility in limited cases".
Need to change ‘sweeping’ powers
The move sparked criticism from some political quarters in Australia.
Independent MP Zali Steggall pointed to the laws underpinning the ban which gave the government "sweeping, unchecked" powers and ought to be amended.
"Invalidating lawfully obtained visas undermines confidence in our entire migration system and sets a dangerous precedent," she said.
The Australian Greens party directly blamed the ruling Labor government led by Anthony Albanese, saying the measure "puts the lie to the pretence that Labor is supporting the illegal US and Israeli war on Iran to help the Iranian people".
"Today, we see with 100% clarity what the Albanese government thinks of the safety of the Iranian people as they shut the door on protection for people with a visa to come here," Greens Senator David Shoebridge said.
Iranian-born Australian residents
More than 85,000 permanent residents of Australia were born in Iran, according to official government data. Iranian diaspora communities are concentrated mainly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
Earlier this month, Australian authorities angered Tehran by granting asylum to seven Iranian women – six football players and a member of the delegation of Iran’s women’s national team – who took part in the Asian Cup. They were labelled “traitors” in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before a match in the tournament.
Five of the seven later withdrew their asylum applications and returned to Iran, while the remaining two have stayed in Australia. Human rights advocates expressed concern that Iranian authorities had exerted intense pressure on the athletes’ families.
Sources: CNA, MSN