Australia has barred thousands of Iranian nationals with valid tourist visas from entering the country for the next six months, a move that has drawn strong criticism from refugee advocates and opposition figures. Get today's headlines by email The decision was announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who activated newly expanded immigration powers to temporarily suspend entry for Iranian visitors amid concerns about the escalating situation in Iran. The restriction applies to roughly 6,800 Iranian citizens holding valid tourist visas who are currently outside Australia. Some travellers may still be granted entry under special circumstances. Government cites migration control concernsBurke said the measure was necessary to ensure that long-term residency decisions remain deliberate government policy rather than the unintended result of short-term travel. “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,” Burke said. “Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.” The temporary order will last six months and must be renewed if authorities wish to keep it in place. Officials said the government will continue to monitor global developments and adjust migration policies if necessary. The ban only applies to people holding tourist visas, commonly known as subclass 600 visas, who are currently outside the country. Limited exemptions availableAuthorities said some exemptions could apply. Iranian parents of Australian citizens may receive “sympathetic consideration”, while others may request permission to travel through a special certificate process. Government figures indicate that more than 7,200 temporary visa holders are currently inside Iran, with more than 40,000 temporary visa holders located across the wider region affected by the conflict. However, the current restriction targets only tourist visa holders. Strong criticism from advocates and politiciansThe decision has prompted criticism from refugee groups and some lawmakers, who argue it unfairly affects people who followed legal immigration procedures. Nos Hosseini of the Iranian Women’s Association said the community had hoped for compassion during a period of uncertainty. “As a community, we are grieving. We are under immense stress, and this was not the type of announcement we were expecting to hear,” she said. Independent MP Zali Steggall warned the government’s expanded powers risk undermining confidence in Australia’s migration system. “Thousands of people who followed the rules, paid fees, and made plans in good faith are being left in limbo,” she said. David Shoebridge, a senator from the Greens party, also criticised the government, accusing it of abandoning Iranian citizens despite publicly expressing concern about conditions inside the country. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre described the move as a “massive betrayal” and a “breathtaking moral failure”. Earlier asylum casesThe visa decision follows a recent case involving members of Iran’s women’s football team who travelled to Australia earlier this month. Seven players were initially granted asylum offers, although five later chose to return to Iran while two remain in Australia. Officials say the temporary entry restrictions will remain under review as the government monitors developments in the region. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026
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