Proposed Powers to Temporarily Restrict Travel to Australia
Important Immigration Update
We are flagging an important immigration development that may be relevant to employers, visa holders, and families with upcoming travel plans to Australia.
This week, Parliament passed new legislation granting the Minister for Home Affairs the power to temporarily restrict the arrival of certain classes of temporary visa holders from designated countries, where overseas events create a heightened risk that visa holders may be unable to depart Australia at the end of their stay.
The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026 allows the Minister to make what is known as an “arrival control determination”, which can prevent affected temporary visa holders from travelling to Australia for up to six months at a time. These determinations can be made in response to international events such as conflict or significant instability overseas.
Current status
At this stage:
- No specific countries have been named
- No arrival control determinations have been announced
- The powers apply to temporary visas only (such as visitor, student and business visas), not permanent visas
What this means in practice
Although the legislation is now law, it does not introduce an automatic or immediate travel ban.
However, it highlights the importance of:
- Monitoring international travel plans for sponsored workers and temporary visa holders
- Exercising caution where visa holders are offshore during periods of geopolitical instability
- Seeking advice early if a visa holder is outside Australia or planning to travel
We will continue to monitor how and when these powers may be exercised and will provide updates if any arrival control determinations are announced.
Connect with us
If you have employees, students, or family members who may be affected, or would like tailored advice for your workforce or travel planning, please contact us below.