ISTANBUL

Australia on Wednesday announced temporary travel restrictions for Iranian visa holders currently outside the country.

The ban will be in place for six months starting Thursday under tough new immigration laws.

In a statement, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said: "The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire.

However, the restrictions will not apply to individuals already in Australia, close family members of citizens or permanent residents, or those granted special travel permission under limited circumstances.

Burke said during this period Iranians can continue to apply for visa and parents of Australian citizens will be given “sympathetic consideration.”

He said the government “is closely monitoring global developments” and will make adjustments accordingly.

The move has come under fire by migration lawyers and activists.
Sarah Joseph, an Australian Professor of Human Rights Law at Griffith University, called the decision "disgusting."

"Iranian visa holders temporarily barred from travelling to Australia due to the risk that they don’t play football. Disgusting decision," she said on US social media platform X.

The latest move comes as Iran is embroiled in a war with the US and Israel since Feb. 28. Tehran says the latest conflict has killed more than 1,300 Iranians so far.