We, members of the Iranian community living in Australia, respectfully call on the Australian Government—particularly the Minister for Home Affairs—to take immediate and lawful action to assist Iranian nationals whose visa applications are in the process or currently live in Australia on a temporary visa which is about to expire.

Recent developments have fundamentally changed the humanitarian and security circumstances in Iran. These changes demand a response that goes beyond routine administrative processes and reflects Australia’s long-standing commitment to human rights, family unity, and the rule of law.

Why This Matters

On 5 February 2026, the Australian Senate passed a bipartisan motion formally acknowledging the suffering of Iranians and the deep concern of the Iranian-Australian community. Parliament made it clear that Australia must not remain silent in the face of widespread violence and repression.

Only weeks earlier, in January 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Council confirmed grave human rights violations in Iran, including the killing of thousands of civilians. These findings constitute objective and credible evidence of a dramatic change in circumstances affecting Iranian nationals.

For many families, prolonged visa processing delays now carry real and potentially life-threatening consequences.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully urge the Minister for Home Affairs to take the following actions within the existing legal framework of Australia’s migration system:

1.⁠ ⁠Issue a Ministerial Direction under Section 499 of the Migration Act 1958

This direction should grant priority processing across all visa subclasses for Iranian nationals, recognising them as a crisis-affected cohort requiring urgent attention.

2.⁠ ⁠Provide temporary and protective visa options for Iranian nationals currently in Australia

Many Iranians onshore are unable to safely return to or fearful of returning to Iran due to the current security and humanitarian conditions. Similar lawful measures have previously been implemented for other nationalities facing crises, demonstrating that such action is both feasible and precedent-based.

3.⁠ ⁠Ensure fair and individual assessment of temporary visa applications

The current situation in Iran should not be used as a blanket justification to refuse temporary visas such as student or visitor visas. Many applications were lodged before the escalation of violence, and many applicants maintain strong personal, economic, and familial ties to Iran. Decisions must be made through careful, case-by-case assessment rather than assumptions that undermine legislative intent.

A Call for Consistency and Compassion

It would be legally and morally inconsistent for Australia to recognise mass civilian harm at the parliamentary level, yet continue processing visa applications for affected individuals under ordinary timelines that fail to reflect the urgency of the situation.

We are not asking for special treatment—only for a humane, lawful, and proportionate response that aligns administrative action with parliamentary recognition and international human rights obligations.

Australia has a proud history of standing on the right side of justice. We urge the Government to act now, so Iranian families are not left waiting in danger.

Please sign this petition to call for urgent and compassionate action.