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 new regulations are designed to leave unaffected those already in Australia who have close family ties to an Australian citizen or resident, as well as individuals holding temporary protection, refugee, or humanitarian visas.

David Shoebridge, the Greens’ spokesperson on immigration, criticized what he called the “hypocrisy” of the situation, describing it as “hard to stomach.”

“On the same day that Labor celebrated granting asylum to a few courageous Iranian football players, they are attempting to shut the door on other Iranians seeking similar protection,” Shoebridge remarked.

Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters expressed even stronger disapproval, labeling the government’s actions as “morally bankrupt.”

“Labor supported this unlawful conflict, endorsed the bombing of civilians, and is now barring entry to those very civilians seeking refuge,” she stated.

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

STAY INFORMED: Follow us on all platforms to get breaking news and exclusive stories delivered to you first.

You May Also Like

Cruz Hewitt (pictured) has progressed to the quarter-final stage of the boys' singles event at Wimbledon

Cruz Hewitt Mirrors Dad Lleyton With Breakout Wimbledon Run

Almost 25 years after Lleyton Hewitt lifted the Wimbledon trophy, his highly…