This week, the Australian government introduced the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026, which, if passed, would give the home affairs minister the power to issue an “arrival control determination” to prevent people from conflict- and crisis-affected regions from entering Australia on temporary visas, including tourist, student, or sporting visas. The measure automatically freezes any such visa within the designated group and can be applied even while visa holders are in transit through third countries.
The government’s explanatory materials indicate that people travelling legally on temporary visas could face mandatory detention and deportation upon arrival if a determination is issued while they are en route. While certain protection or humanitarian visa holders are exempt, asylum seekers who initially enter on other types of visas would be affected, further limiting Australia’s already restricted legal pathways for refugees.
The bill was introduced without consultation with Australia’s refugee and migration sector and continues a pattern of legislation granting the home affairs minister broad powers with minimal parliamentary scrutiny. Although no country is explicitly named, officials have referenced instability in the Middle East, noting that around 61,000 people from Middle Eastern countries currently hold temporary travel visas in Australia.
The introduction of this legislation coincided with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke granting asylum protections to members of the Iranian women’s national football team, highlighting a contrast between targeted humanitarian support and broader restrictive measures. Critics argue that instead of limiting access for vulnerable populations, Australia should focus on expanding safe and legal pathways for those in need of protection.
