Australia imposes 12-month ban on Iranian visitors
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- Temporary visa holders from Iran barred from entering Australia starting today.
- Exceptions limited to close family of citizens or permanent residents.
Australia has begun enforcing a sweeping ban on visitors from Iran holding temporary visas, a measure expected to remain in effect for up to 12 months, according to SBS.
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Up to 61,000 temporary visa holders could be affected. The restrictions follow recent “controversial changes” to the Migration Act, passed earlier this month by the Australian parliament.
Limited exceptions
Some exceptions may apply for spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent visa holders. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said a “permitted travel certificate” will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
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Iranian community in Australia
According to the Department of Home Affairs, 58,106 people born in Iran were living in Australia as of 2016. Authorities say the ban is aimed at regulating migration under the updated legislation, though it has sparked criticism for its broad impact on Iranian nationals.
