In a significant move, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that Iranian visa holders are temporarily barred from entering Australia. This decision comes as part of the government’s comprehensive review of migration policies amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

This restriction targets individuals who have already been granted visas, as the government opts for a broad suspension of the entire visa class instead of reassessing and potentially canceling individual visas.

The policy shift follows recent amendments to the Migration Act, which were passed in parliament amidst strong opposition from the Greens party and refugee advocates who have voiced their concerns.

Officials from Home Affairs have indicated that the ban will extend for a period of six to twelve months, potentially impacting around 61,000 temporary visa holders across the Middle East.

Starting March 26, an Arrival Control Determination will be implemented for a six-month duration. This applies to those outside Australia who hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa associated with an Iranian passport. However, this determination does not affect individuals already in Australia, parents of children present in Australia, or dependents of Australian citizens.

Importantly, the Arrival Control Determination does not impede individuals outside Australia from submitting new visa applications, which will continue to be evaluated based on their individual merits.

A small number of people, issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate, may be able to travel to Australia, with sympathetic consideration given to parents of Australian citizens.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said there were “many visitor visas” issued before the war in the Middle East, “which may not have been issued if they were applied for now.”

“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the Government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”

“The Australian Government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable.”

The conflict in Iran “has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire,” Burke’s statement read.

Widespread travel disruptions have grounded millions of passengers transiting through the Middle East for nearly a month.

The snap amendments made to the Migration Act earlier this month gave the Home Affairs Minister license to enact temporary changes to Australia’s immigration policy.

Refugee groups criticised the changes when they were announced, saying they would be used to prevent Iranians from seeking refuge.

Greens immigration spokesperson David Shoebridge said the “hypocrisy” was “hard to stomach”, as Australia rushed the laws through even as it offered asylum to the Iranian Women’s football team.

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