Australia on Thursday banned entry to visitors from Iran as the war in the Middle East raises the risk that they may refuse to return home after their short-term visas expire, LETA reported, citing AFP.
Individuals traveling with Iranian passports will be prohibited from visiting Australia for tourism or work purposes for the next six months, the Department of Home Affairs reported.
"The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may not leave Australia after their visas expire," the department's statement said.
Exceptions will be made in certain cases, such as for parents of Australian citizens.
"There are many visitor visas issued before the conflict in Iran that may not have been issued if they were applied for now," said Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. "The decision on permanent residency in Australia should be a considered decision by the government, not a random outcome of a holiday."
More than 85,000 residents of Australia were born in Iran, and there are Iranian diasporas in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
This month, Australia drew Iran's displeasure by granting asylum to seven players and representatives of the Iranian women's national football team during their visit to the country.
These footballers refused to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match and were labeled "traitors" back home as a result.
Five of these seven women later withdrew their asylum claims in Australia, raising suspicions that the ruling Islamic regime in Iran may have threatened their families.
