Iranian visa holders temporarily barred from travelling to Australia
Iranian visitors will be barred from travelling to Australia under new laws aimed at “protecting the integrity and sustainability” of the migration system.
Earlier this month, the federal government rushed new laws through parliament to block people with temporary visas arriving from nominated countries for up to six months.
An “arrival control determination” will be enacted tomorrow for visitors from Iran, with the Albanese government concerned that some temporary visa holders will be “unable or unlikely” to leave Australia when their visas expire.
The rule will only apply to people outside Australia who have a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.
Iranians already travelling in Australia, or in transit, will be exempt from the restrictions, along with spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent visa holders.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says a small number of people will be granted a “permitted travel certificate” on a case-by-case basis.
Tony Burke says sympathetic consideration will be given to cases involving parents of Australian citizens. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
“There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran which may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” Mr Burke said.
“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.”
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