By Micah Jonah, March 11, 2026
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to two more members of the Iranian women’s football team, joining five teammates who were earlier granted asylum. This decision follows safety concerns after the team initially refused to sing Iran’s national anthem at the Women’s Asia Cup in Australia.
The players, one support staff member chose to remain in Australia, receiving temporary humanitarian visas valid for 12 months, with a pathway to permanent residency. Australian authorities ensured the asylum process was conducted individually, without pressure, providing interpreters and private interviews.
Concerns arose after Iranian state media labeled the players “traitors.” Meanwhile, Iranian authorities publicly invited the remaining team members to return “with peace and confidence,” emphasizing family reconciliation.
The asylum decisions coincided with heightened global tensions as the US-Israel war on Iran entered its 11th day, claiming over 1,255 lives, including senior officials, and striking civilian and infrastructure sites across the country.
Australia is also considering legislation to limit travel from countries affected by the conflict, a move criticized as potentially discriminatory towards Iranians and other Middle Eastern nationals.
