Update 16 March 2026:

Relevant legislation came into effect on 14 March 2026. Travel restrictions do not apply unless the Minister announces an ‘arrival control determination’. We will keep you updated.

A bill was introduced this week that could give the Minister for Immigration new powers to temporarily restrict travel to Australia for certain offshore temporary visa holders from specified countries during periods of international risk or disruption.

Both the government and Coalition have expressed concerns that the conflict in the Middle East may lead to an increase in temporary visa holders seeking asylum after arriving in Australia and being unable to return home.

Amendments proposed

If passed, the bill would allow the Minister to issue an ‘arrival control determination’ with the support of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister.

The determination would:

  • Specify which temporary visas and countries the restrictions apply to.
  • Restrict travel to Australia for affected visa holders for up to six months. Further determinations are possible if conditions persist.
  • Permit individual travel certificates on compelling, compassionate or public-interest grounds at the Minister’s discretion.

Travel restrictions would not apply to:

  • Parents of a child under 18 in Australia or immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents, among other limited exemptions.
  • Visa holders departing Australia.

The determination cannot cancel visas or alter visa expiry dates.

What’s next

The bill has moved through the House of Representatives and is now progressing through the Senate.

It is unclear which temporary visa subclasses may be affected, though short-term workers such as Subclass 400 Visa holders or visitors holding Subclass 600 Visas traveling from certain countries in the Middle East may be impacted.

We encourage you to contact Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents for advice. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to assist with requesting a travel certificate for critical work.

Speak to us

Source:
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents, MARN: 0533879
Parliament of Australia
ABC News
Migration Institute of Australia