Overview
- Iranian holders of Visitor (Subclass 600) visas linked to Iranian passports were barred from entering Australia under a six‑month Arrival Control Determination that took effect Thursday, with more than 7,000 people affected.
- The order applies only to people outside Australia and includes narrow exemptions for those already in the country, travelers in transit, spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents, and some parents of children under 18.
- Home Affairs will issue Permitted Travel Certificates case by case, with in‑transit travelers generally covered, and officials say new visa applications can still be lodged and will be assessed on their merits.
- The move relies on amendments passed earlier in March that let the home affairs minister suspend arrivals from nominated countries for up to six months, and Tony Burke used those powers to issue the determination.
- Refugee advocates and crossbenchers called the ban heartless and a dangerous precedent, while the government argues it protects migration integrity, a debate sharpened by recent asylum offers to members of Iran’s women’s football delegation and concerns for families now forced to cancel trips or remain in limbo.