Overseas visitors planning to travel to Australia from certain countries could be temporarily banned in an attempt by the federal government to stop a wave of people overstaying their visas due to the war in the Middle East.
The proposed laws were hastily introduced by Assistant Minister for Citizenship Julian Hill to parliament today, less than two weeks after the war began.
Both the government and Coalition are concerned the conflict could result in more people seeking asylum once they travel to Australia.
Mr Hill said the amendment was to protect the “integrity and sustainability” of Australia’s immigration system.
“The current situation in the Middle East demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change that may impact whether those temporary visa holders could fulfil that temporary purpose in Australia, including whether they would leave Australia should they travel here,” he said.
“In these circumstances, it is vital that government can respond appropriately, including by placing temporary limitations on the ability of certain cohorts of non-citizens from travelling to Australia.”
Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien says the Coalition backs the proposal “in principle”. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)
Under the changes, the government would be able to stop some people from certain countries entering Australia for up to six months if they are on a temporary visa.
Temporary visas are issued to people for a range of reasons, including for holidays, study or business.
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Ted O’Brien said the legislation had the Coalition’s in-principle support.
“The bill provides the government with additional tools to temporarily restrict the arrival of certain classes of temporary visa holders, where circumstances overseas create a risk that people may not depart Australia when their visas expire,” he told parliament.
“These powers are designed to protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s migration system, particularly where international events increased the risk of visa overstays.”
The legislation is expected to pass the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, before it is examined by a Senate inquiry.
Ministers, PM to designate banned visa holders
The new laws would allow the home affairs minister to make what is called an “arrival control determination” with the support of the prime minister and foreign affairs minister.
The minister would need to outline which particular temporary visas the ban applied to and from which countries.
It would be in place for up to six months, but a new determination lasting another six months could then be issued once the first expires.
Parents who have a child in Australia or those who have an immediate family member who is an Australian citizen would be exempt.
Those holding a temporary protection, refugee or humanitarian visa would also still be allowed to travel to Australia.
It would not impact anyone who was already in Australia before the determination was made.
The government has not named which countries it is particularly concerned about in regards to visa overstayers.
The Greens have denounced the proposed laws as “appalling”. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Greens leader Larissa Waters described the legislation as a “new low” for the government.
“What an appalling act of cruelty,” she said.
“From backing and resourcing an illegal war, raining down bombs on civilians to then shutting the door on those same civilians who have the legal right to enter our country, you cannot get more morally bankrupt or hypocritical than that.”
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis also described the bill as appalling.
“Australia and the US are sending our military to the Middle East to liberate the people of Iran, and at the same time they are legislating so they can shut the door to those same people who need our protection — and who already have a visa to travel to Australia,” he said.