A ban to block thousands of Iranian nationals from entering Australia on temporary visiting visas has received major criticism with some crossbenchers and human rights advocates arguing it undermines confidence in the migration system.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the six-month ban, saying it’s in national interest amid changing global conditions and aimed at protecting the sustainability of Australia’s migration system.
Update: Statement from a spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs
- The current situation in Iran has created significant uncertainty and an increased risk that some temporary visa holders will not depart Australia when their visas cease to be in effect. The arrival control determination (the Determination) is necessary to protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s immigration system.
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- The Determination gives the Government time to assess the situation properly. This allows for the risks to be appropriately managed while still allowing flexibility for genuine cases.
- Temporary travel restrictions are in place for people outside Australia who have a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to their Iranian passport.
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- Humanitarian and protection visa pathways remain available to those who meet requirements. The Determination applies to Visitor visa holders – it does not directly affect other visa holders.
- It does not apply to the following Visitor visa holders with an Iranian passport:
- the spouse, de facto partner or dependent child of an Australian citizen,
- an Australian permanent resident
- the parent of a child who is under 18 and in Australia
- a person who was in Australia when the Arrival Control Determination commenced
- person who has been issued a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) that is in force.
- The provisions of the Determination include a number of important safeguards:
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- A determination can only be in place for a period that is no longer than the Minister considers appropriate in the circumstances, with a maximum period of 6 months.
- If the Minister makes a determination, it must be tabled in Parliament together with a statement of the Minister’s reasons for making the determination.
- The Minister can only make a determination with the written agreement of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- A request for a Permitted travel certificate allows the Department to consider an individual’s personal circumstances, including where they can show they intend to stay Australia temporarily.
- Importantly, the Determination does not prevent new applications for visas. Applications already lodged, as well as new applications, will continue to be assessed against the legal requirements including health, character and security criteria.
Image: Photo by Mr Ozturk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/qantas-aircraft-landing-at-melbourne-airport-33096319/
Produced By: Emma Wotzke
Featured In Story: Jane Favero – Deputy CEO of Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and Timothy Roberts – President of NSW Council for Civil Liberties
First aired on The Wire, Monday 30 March 2026