Canberra: The Australian Government has announced a temporary restriction under which Iranian tourists with valid visas will be barred from entering the country for six months, citing concerns that some visitors may not return home after their visas expire.

Contents

Snapchat suspends 415,000 under-16 accounts amid Australia’s 2026 social media law Policy context and implementation Reaction and concerns

The measure, introduced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, will come into effect on Thursday and is expected to impact around 6,800 Iranian visa holders. Officials said the decision is intended to ensure that long-term migration outcomes remain subject to government policy rather than unintended consequences of short-term travel.

In a statement, Burke said decisions about permanent residence in Australia should be made deliberately by the government, not as a result of individuals overstaying temporary visas. He added that the move reflects national interest considerations amid evolving global conditions.

Exceptions to the restriction will apply in limited cases, including for partners and children of Australian citizens. Authorities also indicated that “sympathetic consideration” may be extended to parents of Australian citizens under specific circumstances.

Policy context and implementation

The restriction follows earlier legislation introduced this month allowing the government to block visa holders from selected countries. The announcement coincided with the granting of humanitarian visas to members of an Iranian women’s football delegation, most of whom later returned to Iran.

Officials said the policy would allow time to assess the situation while maintaining flexibility for exceptional cases. The government also stated that the decision was made in consultation with members of the Australian-Iranian community.

Reaction and concerns

Some lawmakers and refugee advocacy groups have criticized the move, describing it as a “moral failure” and warning it could set a broader precedent for travel restrictions based on nationality.

The government has maintained that the measure is temporary and does not apply to citizens of other countries.