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The Australian government has announced a six-month ban preventing Iranian visa-holding visitors from entering the country.
Getting into it: The announcement was made by Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who said the decision was driven by concerns that the ongoing conflict in Iran could increase the likelihood that temporary visitors may overstay. Burke added that “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,” stressing that “decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”
The ban applies specifically to Iranian citizens holding Visitor (Subclass 600) visas who are currently outside Australia, impacting more than 6,800 to 7,000 people who had already been granted visas. While broad, the policy includes exceptions: individuals already in Australia, those in transit at the time of the announcement, and certain family members (such as spouses, partners, or dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents) may still be allowed entry.
The government maintains the temporary measure allows time to reassess risks while maintaining flexibility. Officials stated the policy is designed to “ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable,” and noted that exemptions and case-by-case reviews would remain available during the six-month period.
Despite this, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocates and some politicians. Independent MP Zali Steggall said the government had imposed the ban “without considering their individual situation or providing any means of compensation,” adding that “thousands of people who followed the rules, paid fees, and made plans in good faith are being left in limbo.”
Advocacy groups and critics have also described the move as “brutal,” “unfair,” and a “dangerous precedent,” arguing it undermines trust in Australia’s visa system and restricts pathways for people seeking safety during a time of crisis.
