Australia has introduced a temporary six-month ban on Iranian nationals holding visitor visas, preventing them from entering the country amid concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The measure, which takes effect on Thursday, March 26, 2026, was announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
It targets holders of subclass 600 short-stay visitor visas linked to Iranian passports, affecting approximately 6,800 to 7,000 people.
The government cited risks that some Iranian visitors may be unable or unlikely to return home when their visas expire due to the escalating war and instability in Iran.
Officials argued that allowing entry could lead to unintended overstays, and decisions on permanent residency should remain deliberate government choices rather than accidental outcomes of travel.
The ban applies only to those currently outside Australia and does not cancel the existing visas.
Limited exceptions have been made for partners and dependent children of Australian citizens, as well as individuals already in transit (who may apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate).
The decision was enabled by new emergency migration powers rushed through parliament earlier this month, allowing the minister to issue an “arrival control determination” for specific nationalities for up to six months.
The move has triggered significant backlash from Iranian communities and critics, who have described it as a “massive betrayal” of people who lawfully obtained visas.
Concerns have been raised over fairness, the legality of retroactively restricting valid visas, and potential humanitarian impacts on families and travellers who had planned trips.Critics argue the blanket ban undermines confidence in Australia’s migration system and sets a concerning precedent.
Some have questioned why the measure singles out Iranians while not applying to visitors from other conflict-affected regions.
The Australian government maintains the step is temporary, necessary for national interest, and will be reviewed after six months.
It forms part of broader efforts to manage migration risks amid rapidly changing global conditions in the Middle East.
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