Two Iranian footballers obtain Australian citizenship after humanitarian visas

Seven Iranian athletes who were competing in Australia were granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government earlier this month. The visas were issued under a special program that allows foreign nationals facing persecution to seek refuge while they continue their sporting commitments in the country. The decision was announced by the Department of Home Affairs following a review of the athletes’ circumstances and the risks they faced if they were to return to Iran.

Within days of receiving the visas, five of the athletes chose to decline the opportunity to remain in Australia and travelled back to Iran, citing personal and family considerations. The remaining two athletes have elected to stay, pending further assessment of their long‑term residency status. Australian officials confirmed that the humanitarian visa program will continue to be available to eligible sportspeople, and that the department will monitor the situation to ensure compliance with visa conditions.