The Australian government has imposed a temporary six-month ban on tourist visas for Iranian nationals. This decision comes amid waves of airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Approximately 6,800 Iranians outside Australia with valid tourist visas are affected, although some may still be allowed entry under special consideration. The laws, which have enraged refugee and humanitarian advocates, are purportedly in response to the government's concerns that people travelling to Australia on temporary visas could seek to stay permanently due to the war in the Middle East.

Hedieh Jamshidian, a 32-year-old Iranian Australian, bought a ticket for her 76-year-old mother from Tehran to Sydney. Her mother arrived in Australia via Turkey days before the ban took effect. However, her older sister and brother-in-law, who were also planning to visit Sydney last month, had their tourist visas suspended under the new laws. Jamshidian states, "I have no way to help. I can't travel back to Iran and they can't come here, even for a very short time."

Mahdi, another Iranian Australian in Melbourne, attempted to invite his brother Hussain from Tehran, but his offer made shortly before the war broke out was rejected. Mahdi explains that his brother lives in an area close to the capital's government buildings where Israeli and US missiles have struck. Mahdi hasn't heard from his brother in over two weeks and expresses concern for his safety. He says, "I just want to bring them here to [give them] some relief, and to see my family here as well, because I cannot travel because of the conflict."

The Albanese government's decision to impose the temporary ban has left many in the Iranian Australian community frustrated and confused. During previous conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, civilians with connections to Australia were allegedly encouraged to apply for tourist visas to quickly escape violence and begin the process of gaining temporary humanitarian visas. Mahdi questions, "Everyone is in shock, and they say they don't know what's the politics behind it. Why [do] they make that mistake to ban Iranians?"

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told parliament his decision was made because the number of tourist visas issued to Iranians before the conflict was "as large as this." He claimed, "The government has a very clear view that decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be a deliberate decision of the government, not a random consequence of who was planning to book a holiday here." Critics argue this move highlights inconsistencies in Australia's humanitarian response.

Source: www.theguardian.com