URGENT: Petition for Temporary Relief Measures for Iranian Visa Holders in Australia

As of early 2026, Iran is experiencing an extreme and rapidly evolving crisis characterised by widespread internal suppression, violence, and instability. These conditions are unpredictable and entirely beyond the control of individual citizens. Iranian nationals currently in Australia– particularly students, visitors, and recent graduates–are facing a compounded or "double” crisis: profound emotional trauma arising from events in Iran, alongside financial, legal, and practical hardship within Australia.

We respectfully acknowledge the Australian Government’s demonstrated leadership and humanitarian commitment in providing special pathways and support measures for individuals affected by conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon, and Syria. In light of the comparable escalating risks now faced by Iranian citizens, we sincerely request consideration of proportionate and scalable relief measures for Iranians temporary visa holders currently in Australia.

On behalf of Iranian students and other Iranian nationals in Australia (including tourists, and visiting family members) we wish to highlight the following urgent areas of concern:

• Financial hardship: Due to the combined effects of international sanctions and the ongoing domestic crisis in Iran, the transfer of funds to Australia has become virtually impossible. Families are unable to provide financial support, leaving students and dependants reliant on rapidly diminishing personal savings to meet essential living costs.​