Albanese Government’s heartless act leaves the Iranian community with nowhere to turn

ASRC STATEMENT
Thursday, 26th March

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) condemns the Albanese Government’s decision to invoke its new arrival control powers to ban Iranian visitor visa holders from travelling to Australia, effective immediately.

The regulation, made yesterday under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No.1) Act 2026, prevents Iranian nationals holding Subclass 600 visitor visas from travelling to Australia for six months. The ban can be renewed indefinitely.

In past conflicts, Australia used tourist visas as a practical lifeline to bring people from Afghanistan and Ukraine to safety. That option is now gone for Iranians, with nothing put in its place. Extended families of Australian citizens and residents have no pathway to reach safety here. Tourist visas were the only practical option available, and the Government has now heartlessly ripped that away.

Jana Favero, Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said:

“This is a massive betrayal of the Iranian community, and a breathtaking moral failure. In the moment that people need safety the most and their country is being torn apart, the Albanese Government is slamming the door closed on people from Iran. This is a heartless move that adds unnecessary trauma and harm.”

The ASRC calls on the Albanese Government to immediately reverse this decision and provide a clear, accessible pathway for Iranians in danger to reach safety in Australia.

Media enquiries: media@asrc.org.au