By Admin 
Amidst the war raging in the Middle East, Australia has taken a big decision regarding tourist visas for Iranian citizens. Australia has banned citizens coming from Iran from traveling to Australia under new laws. This order will be applicable to those Iranian citizens who have visitor visa. A ban of 6 months has been announced on them. This new rule will be implemented from Thursday (26 March).
Why was this step taken?
The Australian government called this decision necessary for national interests due to the rapidly changing situation in the world. Australia’s Home Minister Tony Burke said that the government fears that some people may remain in the country even after their visas expire. However, he also clarified that this decision does not impose a complete ban on all Iranian citizens. People who have long-term visas or their families live in Australia can be given permission to come.
‘7 thousand Iranians have tourist visas’
australian government Says that more than 7000 Iranian citizens currently have tourist visas. Earlier this month, officials said that more than 7,200 people were temporary visa holders in Iran, and that number has increased to more than 40,000 in the large area affected by the fighting. However, the temporary entry ban will apply only to tourist visa holders. Which is also called subclass 600 visa.
What did the Australian Home Minister say?
Tony Burke says that some people will be given ‘Permitted Travel Certificate’ as per the need. The Australian Home Minister said that ‘many visitor visas were issued before the war in Iran, which probably would not have been issued if applications for them had been made now. The government is keeping an eye on the current developments in the world. To keep the migration system of the country correct, the government will make changes as per the needs.
The opposition called the decision wrong
At the same time, this decision of the Australian government is also being opposed. Australian Greens Party leader David Shoebridge has called it a ‘tough and wrong decision’. He says that this step has been taken so that Iranian people cannot come to Australia and apply for asylum.