Three more Iranian women's football squad members return home after being granted asylum in Australia

"While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions. Burke said the Australian government had done everything possible to make sure the women were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia."

"Australians should be proud that it was in our country that these women experienced a nation presenting them with genuine choices and interacted with authorities seeking to help them."

"The new laws can be used to prevent Iranian tourists from travelling to Australia if their visa was issued before the US and Israel attacked Tehran, and where there is a concern they might overstay their visa or apply for protection while in Australia."

Three members of Iran's women's football squad have departed Australia to rejoin their team, following the Women's Asian Cup tournament. This leaves only three of the original seven squad members remaining in Australia on specially granted protection visas. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the departing players were given multiple opportunities to discuss their options before making their decision. Burke emphasized the Australian government provided support and presented genuine choices to the women. Concurrently, Australia implemented new legislation targeting temporary visa holders, including provisions to prevent Iranian tourists from entering if concerns exist about potential overstaying or protection applications.

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