Canberra: Australia has announced a temporary six-month ban on visitors from Iran, citing heightened risks linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
The decision, confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs, is aimed at preventing situations where Iranian nationals may be unable or unwilling to return home after their visas expire. The restriction applies to Iranian citizens currently outside Australia, including those already holding valid visitor visas for tourism or work.
Authorities described the measure as being in the national interest with rapidly changing global conditions. Officials said the conflict has increased uncertainty around international travel and repatriation, raising concerns that some temporary visa holders could remain in Australia beyond their permitted stay.
The government stated that the temporary suspension would allow time to assess the evolving situation while maintaining flexibility in exceptional cases. Exemptions to the ban include Iranian nationals already in Australia, those en route to the country, and immediate family members of Australian citizens, such as spouses, partners, and dependent children.
Permanent visa holders are also excluded from the restriction, with additional exemptions to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said migration decisions must remain under government control, rather than being influenced by unforeseen developments.
Tony Burke noted that some visas granted before the conflict might not have been approved under current circumstances. The move has sparked criticism from refugee advocacy groups, including the Asylum Seekers Centre, which argued that the policy could limit access to protection pathways during a humanitarian crisis.
The announcement comes with heightened international attention on Iranian nationals abroad, including members of the country’s women’s football team who recently sought assistance in Australia following safety concerns.
According to official figures, Australia hosts a significant Iranian diaspora, with more than 90,000 residents born in Iran, particularly concentrated in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
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