On 12 March 2026, the ‘Migration Modification Act 2026 Australia (2026 Measures No. 1)’ handed each homes of parliament. It subsequently obtained royal assent on 13 March 2026 and got here into impact on 14 March 2026.
What are Australia’s new journey ban powers?
This new laws considerably amends Australia’s longstanding Migration Act 1958 (Cth), by inserting powers beneath part 84B (“Arrival management determinations”) to quickly limit journey to Australia for sure offshore momentary visa holders in periods of worldwide unrest.
It’s value reiterating that this won’t lead to visas being cancelled, somewhat the power to utilise authorised visas.
Why have been the journey bans launched?
The Australian authorities claims that these modifications will strengthen the integrity of the nation’s migration system, by with the ability to act rapidly when international occasions might affect visa compliance, border administration, or migration outcomes. In any case it has concurrently been met with robust criticism from refugee advocates and specialists.
Who do the journey bans have an effect on?
The amendments typically targets offshore momentary visa holders. That’s, individuals who maintain legitimate Australian momentary visas, however at present are outdoors Australia. Nevertheless, it’s for the Minister for Immigration to find out extra particularly when to train this journey ban energy, and in opposition to precisely whom and what visa kind every time they deem it to be within the “nationwide curiosity”.
The primary instance of the ability getting used will start on Thursday 26 March 2026, to limit Customer (Subclass 600) visas linked to these with Iranian passports. The Minister Tony Burke stated in so doing that “there are numerous Customer visas which have been issued earlier than the battle in Iran which can not have been issued in the event that they have been utilized for now”.
The Division of House Affairs additional justified the journey ban on Iranian Customer visa holders by saying that “the Iran battle has elevated the chance some visa holders could also be unable – or unlikely – to go away Australia when their visas expire”.
Are there any exemptions to the journey ban?
Sure, any introduced journey bans won’t apply to momentary visa holders who’re:
- Spouses, de facto companions, and dependent youngsters of Australian residents and everlasting residents;
- Dad and mom of youngsters who’re beneath the age of 18 and in Australia;
- Humanitarian visa holders.
What if I’ve different pressing causes to journey to Australia?
For these affected by a journey ban and never routinely exempt, it could be attainable to acquire a “Permitted Journey Certificates” (PTC) by way of the Division’s new Arrival Management Willpower Portal.
Purposes for PTCs are thought-about on a case-by-case foundation. For instance, an affected momentary visa holder could want to current proof that they should journey to Australia to go to a critically sick relative or attend a funeral.
Within the occasion of Iranian Customer (Subclass 600) visa holders, the Minister has stated that specific care will likely be taken in instances involving the dad and mom of Australian residents.
It is suggested that anybody affected by a journey ban applies for a PTC two weeks previous to their proposed journey to Australia. Provided that a PTC is issued would be the momentary visa holder be permitted entry to Australia inside their visa’s validity interval.
Want recommendation?
In case you are outdoors Australia and not sure whether or not you’re affected by an introduced journey ban, our agile attorneys are effectively positioned to make clear whether or not you’re exempt, or information you on the method to use for a PTC. For additional info, be happy to achieve out to us at [email protected].
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THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. PLEASE CONSULT AN IMMIGRATION PROFESSIONAL FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
