Amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East, Australia’s Home Affairs Ministry has said that it will temporarily restrict some Iranian visitor visa holders outside the country from travelling to Australia.
The development came in a move aimed at protecting the integrity of its immigration system, Reuters reported.
Australian Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, referred to the Iran war and said that the government is acting in the national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions.
Burke said the conflict in Iran had increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire. Therefore, the measure will give the Australian government time to assess the situation properly. However, flexibility in limited cases will be allowed.
“There are many visitor visas that were issued before the conflict in Iran, which may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” he added.
“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the Government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”
Meanwhile, the Australian government informed that it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable.
The Arrival Control Determination only applies to people outside Australia who have a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.
The determination does not apply to:
- People in Australia when the Arrival Control Determination commenced
- The spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of Australian citizens
- An Australian permanent visa holder, or an Australian resident who is not subject to a time limitation (such as a New Zealand citizen)
- Parents of a child under 18 already in Australia;
- A person who has been issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate that is in force
- A person holding any other visa
