The Australian Government has granted humanitarian visas to five players from the Iranian women’s national football team, and shared the same option with the rest of the team.
The players came to Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup and played their first match days after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran.
Iranian state media criticised members of the team for not singing their national anthem ahead of their first match.
Many have raised concerns about the women’s safety if they returned home, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Context
In December, the largest civilian protests in Iran since the 1979 Revolution kicked off. Demonstrators called for the end of the Iranian regime.
Local health officials told media that an estimated 30,000 protesters have been killed.
On 28 February (AEDT), the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, killing the Supreme Leader.
Iran played its first Women’s Asian Cup match on 2 March.
Before that match, against South Korea, Iranian players did not sing their national anthem.
A presenter on Iranian state media reacted by labelling the players “traitors,” calling their actions “the pinnacle of dishonour”.
The backlash raised concerns about what might happen to the squad if they returned home.
The Iranian regime has executed people for treason (betraying the nation) in the past.
What happened
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed the Government had been in talks with the team for days to offer assistance.
Burke said on Monday night, the Australian Federal Police moved five players from their team accommodation on the Gold Coast to a “secure location”.
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The players are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.
The Government has granted these players humanitarian visas.
In a post to Instagram, Burke shared a photo with the players, adding: “They are welcome to stay in Australia, to be safe and have a home here.”
U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation after speaking with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese overnight, saying the PM was "on it!".
Visas
Burke did not specifically name the visa the women have been granted, beyond saying it was a “humanitarian visa” and that they are “welcome to stay”.
Australia has a range of visas open to people who face discrimination or harm in their home country.
These visas can provide permanent residency and a path to citizenship, the ability to work and study, access Medicare, and allow people to propose their family members for visas to join them.
The case has also prompted calls for an investigation into the treatment of the other team members.
NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner James Cockayne told the ABC the Iranian regime has “used threats and intimidation against athletes and their families to suppress political opposition.”
In a series of social media posts, journalist Tracey Holmes said the remaining members of the team are all in their accommodation on the Gold Coast, following reports three were unaccounted for.
Next steps
It remains unclear whether additional members of the Iranian team will seek assistance from Australian authorities or return home.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is willing to help other players if they request support.
“We say to them,if you want our help, help is here,” Albanese said.
The Opposition has supported the Government’s move, with Burke saying Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam worked with him to “preserve the best interests of these women.”
