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In brief:
- From March 26, a six-month an Arrival Control Determination will apply to people outside Australia with a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.
- The Arrival Control Determination does not prevent people outside of Australia from applying for new visas, and new applications will “continue to be assessed on their merits”.
Iranian travelers are currently unable to enter Australia, according to an announcement from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. This decision comes as the government undertakes a comprehensive review of migration policies amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This restriction impacts individuals who have already received visa approval, as the government opts to temporarily halt the entire visa category rather than reassessing and potentially revoking each visa on a case-by-case basis.
The decision follows recent amendments to the Migration Act, which were passed in parliament earlier this month. These changes have sparked significant backlash from the Greens and refugee advocacy groups.
Officials from Home Affairs have indicated that this ban will remain in effect for a period of six to twelve months, potentially impacting approximately 61,000 temporary visa holders in the Middle East.
Effective March 26, an Arrival Control Determination will be implemented for six months, targeting individuals outside Australia holding a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa tied to an Iranian passport. This measure does not affect those already present in Australia, parents of children residing in Australia, or dependents of Australian citizens.
The Arrival Control Determination does not prevent people outside of Australia from applying for new visas, and new applications will “continue to be assessed on their merits”.
A small number of people, issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate, may be able to travel to Australia, with sympathetic consideration given to parents of Australian citizens.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said there were “many visitor visas” issued before the war in the Middle East, “which may not have been issued if they were applied for now.”
“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the Government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”
“The Australian Government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable.”
The conflict in Iran “has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire,” Burke’s statement read.
Widespread travel disruptions have grounded millions of passengers transiting through the Middle East for nearly a month.
The snap amendments made to the Migration Act earlier this month gave the Home Affairs Minister license to enact temporary changes to Australia’s immigration policy.
Refugee groups criticised the changes when they were announced, saying they would be used to prevent Iranians from seeking refuge.
Greens immigration spokesperson David Shoebridge said the “hypocrisy” was “hard to stomach”, as Australia rushed the laws through even as it offered asylum to the Iranian Women’s football team.
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