‘Drastic measure’: Govt proposes ban on Iran and Iraqi citizens entering Australia

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says the government’s proposed ban on citizens from Iran and Iraq entering Australia is a “drastic measure” because it is “effectively shutting the borders” to those countries. It was reported earlier today that the Albanese government is looking to potentially ban citizens from Iran and Iraq from coming to Australia, except in exceptional circumstances. “It is the government’s belief the Opposition will have to support this legislation, and they expect it to go through the Senate tomorrow,” Mr Clennell said. “It is extraordinary legislation – it provides that those who won’t willingly go home when the government wants to remove them will face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of one year, up to five years. “It also allows the government to declare countries where people can no longer get visas from … if they’re from those countries. “It’s a drastic measure – I know during COVID, the borders were shut full stop, but what the government is proposing here is effectively shutting the borders to those countries unless those governments change their stance when it comes to removing detainees.”