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.
• Visa Uncertainty and Legal Insecurity: 
  Recent migration policy changes and processing delays have placed many individuals in a state of legal uncertainty, restricting their ability to work or access essential services. In particular:
  • The reduction of the Graduate visa (Subclass 485) age limit to 35 has excluded many mature-age graduates who cannot safely return to Iran.
  • Families visiting on Tourist visas (Subclass 600) are unable to return due to the deteriorating security situation, necessitating urgent visa extension.
  • Additional visa-related complications may emerge as the situation continues to evolve. 
• Mental Health Impact: 
  The psychological toll of the ongoing crackdown in Iran, combined with prolonged uncertainty and systemic barriers in Australia, has resulted in a significant mental health burden within the Iranian community, particularly among students and recent graduates.

In response, we respectfully petition the Australian Government to consider the following measures:

1. Financial and employment flexibility 
   
   1. Temporarily remove or increase working-hour limits for Iranian students facing financial hardship.
   2. Facilitate access to temporary or casual employment opportunities for individuals experiencing special circumstances. 
2. Visa Processing and Extensions
   Grant priority processing and temporary extensions for Iranian nationals in the following categories:
   
   1. Recent graduates, eligible to apply for Subclass 485.
   2. Recent graduates, ineligible to apply for Subclass 485 due to age limit.
   3. Current student visa holders (Subclass 500) requiring visa extension.
   4. Tourist visa holders (Subclass 600) currently in Australia requiring extension. 
3. Protective and Humanitarian Measures
   
   1. Temporarily waive "No Further Stay" (Condition 8503) requirements for Iranian tourist visa holders.
   2. Introduce temporary humanitarian stay arrangements to prevent forced returns while conditions in Iran remain unsafe.

Australia has a longstanding reputation for upholding human rights and providing protection to vulnerable communities during times of crisis. We are anxiously hopeful that the honorable authorities will give due consideration to these concerns and implement appropriate interim measures and safeguard Iranian nationals during this unprecedented period.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. 

Yours sincerely,

University of Melbourne Iranian Society (UMIS)