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We call on the Australian Government to ensure fair and lawful treatment of people who already hold valid Australian visas.

Under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026, the Government now has the power to block entire groups of visa holders from entering Australia through “arrival control determinations” — even where those individuals have already been granted visas after meeting all legal requirements.

This means a person can follow every rule, be approved for a visa, and still be prevented from travelling simply because of their nationality, the type of temporary visa they hold or other characteristics. This undermines confidence in Australia’s migration system and creates uncertainty for families, students, and visitors who acted in good faith.

There is now a real risk that these powers will be used to block Iranian visa holders. This would separate families, prevent reunification with parents and loved ones, and affect thousands of people who have already been granted lawful entry. Importantly, powers of this kind have not previously been used to prevent travel by valid visa holders, even during major global conflicts such as Syria or Ukraine. Their use now would represent an unprecedented shift.

We note proposals by Jerome Laxale MP and others to introduce exemptions, including for parents of Australian citizens. These safeguards are essential.

We call on the Australian Government to:

• Not designate Iran under arrival control determination powers; and
• Guarantee expanded exemptions, including for parents and close family members of Australian citizens, and ensure any use of these powers is fair, targeted, and transparent.

People who have followed Australia’s laws deserve certainty, dignity, and fair treatment.

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