The five footballers were granted humanitarian visas overnight.
The federal government has been labelled hypocritical for granting Iranian footballers asylum while introducing a visa change that would deny 7000 Iranians from coming to Australia.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke granted humanitarian visas to five female players on Tuesday amid fears for their safety after they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before their Asian Cup match on the Gold Coast.
Just hours after those visas were granted, the government proposed changes to the Migration Act that would allow it to block temporary visa holders from nominated countries from entering Australia for six to 12 months.
The five footballers were granted humanitarian visas overnight.
The five footballers were granted humanitarian visas overnight.(Twitter/Tony Burke)

The newly suggested regulations will not impact individuals currently residing in Australia who have immediate family members holding Australian citizenship or residency. This exemption also extends to those with temporary protection, refugee, or humanitarian visas.

David Shoebridge, the Greens’ spokesperson on immigration, criticized the move, labeling it as “hypocritical” and difficult to accept.

“It’s baffling that on the same day Labor is celebrating the protection offered to a few courageous Iranian footballers, they are simultaneously closing off opportunities for other Iranians in need of similar refuge,” he remarked.

Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters took her criticism further, accusing the government of being “morally bankrupt.”

“Labor has supported an unlawful conflict, condoning bombings on civilians, and now they’re turning their backs on those very people,” she asserted.

The legislation is before parliament but is expected to pass with support from the Coalition.

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