PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR MIGRATION SYSTEM
The Australian Government will temporarily restrict Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders who are outside Australia from travelling to Australia, in a move to protect the integrity and sustainability of our migration system.
An Arrival Control Determination will be in force from 26 March 2026 for six months, made possible under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026 that passed Parliament earlier this month. The Government is acting in the national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions.
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. This measure gives the Government time to assess the situation properly, while still allowing flexibility in limited cases.
The Arrival Control Determination only applies to people outside Australia who have a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport. The determination does not apply to:
people in Australia when the Arrival Control Determination commenced
the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of Australian citizens, an Australian permanent visa holder, or an Australian resident who is not subject to a time limitation (such as a New Zealand citizen)
parents of a child under 18 already in Australia
a person who has been issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate that is in force
a person holding any other visa.
The Arrival Control Determination does not prevent people outside of Australia from applying for a new visa. Applications already lodged, as well as new applications will continue to be assessed on their merits in line with existing visa criteria and processes.
There will be a small number of impacted people who will still be able to travel to Australia if they are issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and will only be issued in limited circumstances. Requests can be made through the Arrival Control Determination Portal on the Home Affairs website.
Sympathetic consideration will be given to cases involving parents of Australian citizens.
The Government has consulted with the leadership of the Australian Iranian community.
Impacted travellers who began their trip to Australia before the Arrival Control Determination came into effect, including those who are transiting in a third country for less than 24 hours, will generally be issued a Permitted Travel Certificate. They do not need to apply for a certificate in these circumstances.
More information is available at homeaffairs.gov.au/arrival-control-determination.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS, TONY BURKE:
“There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran which may not have been issued if they were applied for now.
“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the Government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.
“The Australian Government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable.”