Two More Iranian Women's Football Team Members Granted Humanitarian Visas by Australia
Sydney. Two more members of the Iranian women's football team, who arrived in Australia to play in the Asia Cup, have been confirmed to receive humanitarian visas from the Australian government. This decision comes a day after five players were granted asylum on Tuesday, with an additional player and an auxiliary staff member now also permitted to stay in Australia.
Global concerns were raised about their safety after they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before their match against South Korea last week. Australia took this step amid fears that the Iranian government might take severe action against them if they returned home after boycotting their own national anthem.
According to Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke, the two members who decided to seek asylum have been moved from their hotel on the Gold Coast to a secure location in Brisbane, separated from the rest of the team. The government has clarified that the process for their permanent residency will be expedited.
Before the remaining members of the Iranian team returned home from Sydney Airport on Tuesday night, Australian officials interviewed each member individually to ascertain whether they wished to seek asylum or not. A large police presence was deployed at the airport to keep the players separate from their escorts and even allowed them time to speak with their families.
During the questioning at the airport, some members consulted with their families for a long time. Minister Burke stated that one person decided to return home only shortly before the flight departed, while the remaining members boarded the plane of their own volition.
However, it is understood that Australia did not offer residency to some team members and government officials. Minister Burke expressed satisfaction that some individuals had left Australia, hinting at Iranian government officials. As the Iranian team was preparing to return home, the Iranian community residing in Sydney also held a demonstration at Sydney Airport in support of the players and against the Iranian government.
Australia's humanitarian visa program provides permanent protection to refugees and individuals with special humanitarian needs. The players and staff who receive this visa will now be able to live, work, and study in Australia. This dramatic turn of events unfolded two days after the Iranian team was eliminated from the Asia Cup.
Although some players stated they wished to return home, protesters claimed that several players had secretly signaled for help.
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
