The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a temporary six-month entry ban for Iranian citizens planning to travel to the country. In a statement, the department described the move as being in the "national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions."

Officials claim that the US-Israeli war on Iran has increased the risk that Iranian passport holders could refuse or be unable to depart Australia once their short-term visitor visas expire. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that this measure gives the government time to assess the situation properly while maintaining flexibility in limited cases. He added that many visitor visas issued before the conflict in Iran "may not have been issued if they were applied for now."

The ban applies to all Iranian citizens currently outside Australia, even if they hold an Australian visitor visa for tourism or work. Exceptions include those already in Australia, individuals in transit, spouses, de facto partners, or dependent children of Australian citizens, and holders of permanent visas. Exemptions for parents of Australian citizens will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Sydney-based Asylum Seekers Centre criticized the ban in a social media post, calling it the result of a "shameful new law" rushed through Australia's parliament that "threatens the very foundations of Australia's onshore protection programme." The group alleged that the government is "slamming the door shut" in the face of an international humanitarian crisis, blocking a key pathway for people seeking safety.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump reportedly called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum to the Iranian women's football team amid fears that players might face repercussions at home for not singing their national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup 2026 match in Queensland. Albanese later confirmed that five team members had sought assistance and were "safely located" by Australian authorities. In total, seven players and officials were granted asylum, though five later reversed their decision and returned to Iran. The team had arrived in Australia for the tournament before the US and Israel launched their attack on Iran on February 28.

Source: www.aljazeera.com