Australia bans visitors from Iran for 6 months amid war

Australia is concerned Iranian visitors may overstay their visas because of the war in the Middle East.

Australia has temporarily banned visitors from Iran from entering the country as of Thursday, March 26.

The Australian government says that the Iran war "has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire."
Some exceptions apply, such as for those married to an Australian or those with a child under 18 who is in Australia.

How did Australia come to this decision?

"Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who booked a holiday."
Australia's Asylum Seeker Resource Center condemned the "heartless" move, saying it adds "unnecessary trauma and harm" to Iranians already facing war.

"This is a massive betrayal of the Iranian community.

Just when people most need safety, the Albanese Government is slamming the door closed," ASRC said on X.

Politician David Shoebridge said that Iranians had few options to apply.

Australian-Iranian relations under the spotlight
Earlier this month, Australia was at the center of a diplomatic row with Iran, when it granted asylum to seven women's football team players and officials who were visiting for the Asian Cup.

Five of those seven back-pedaled on their decisions to seek refuge in Australia, prompting concerns about whether their families had come under pressure.

Kate Hairsine contributed to this article, which was edited by Rana Taha.