The Australian government has offered humanitarian visas to five Iranian football players who have been in the country for the Asian Cup, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Australia deploying a E-7A Wedgetail surveillance plane to support 12 countries facing attacks from Iran.
Human rights activists have expressed urgent concerns for the safety of the remaining Iranian players after they were seen arriving at Gold Coast airport on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, supporters gathered at Sydney's domestic airport hoping to meet the team, but their arrival remains unconfirmed.
In a separate development, Qantas has announced it will hike international air fares due to fluctuating oil prices and high demand following US-Israel attacks on Iran. The airline's Europe flights continue to operate as scheduled, with seats rapidly filling up as it rebooks passengers from partners like Emirates.
The Liberal leader, Angus Taylor, welcomed Australia's involvement in the Middle East and the decision to grant humanitarian visas to the five players. The Albanese government is also toughening immigration laws to prevent people from certain countries, including Iran, from using temporary visas to seek permanent stay due to the conflict.
