Australia proposes temporary visitor ban from some countries amid Mideast conflict

ISTANBUL

Australia proposed laws Tuesday to temporarily ban visitors from some countries from entering the country amid the Middle East conflict, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The amendment aims to protect the "integrity and sustainability" of Australia's immigration system, said Assistant Minister for Citizenship Julian Hill, who introduced the laws to parliament.

While no specific country was mentioned, Hill referred to the conflict in the Middle East.

"The current situation in the Middle East demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change that may impact whether those temporary visa holders could fulfil that temporary purpose in Australia, including whether they would leave Australia," he said.

"In these circumstances, it is vital that government can respond appropriately, including by placing temporary limitations on the ability of certain cohorts of non-citizens from travelling to Australia," he added.

Under the new laws, Australia would be able to block some visitors from entering for up to six months if they hold a temporary visa.

The changes would also allow the home affairs minister to make an "arrival control determination" with the agreement of the prime minister and foreign affairs minister.

Tensions in the Middle East surged after Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.

Iranian authorities said the attacks have killed 1,300 victims, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

At least seven US service members have been killed in the conflict.