Two More Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Members Seek Asylum in Australia
Key Takeaways
- An Iranian national-team player and a support staffer have remained in Australia to seek asylum, it has been reported.
- Iranian state media allegedly branded players “traitors” for not singing the national anthem.
- Five other team members were previously granted visas, according to the report.
- In Australia, onshore asylum claims are made via the Protection visa (subclass 866), typically with a bridging visa issued during processing.
- Processing can take months to years; successful applicants receive permanent residence and protection from return.
Latest developments
Two more members of Iran’s women’s national soccer delegation—one player and a member of the support staff—have opted not to return home and are seeking asylum in Australia, it has been reported. The move follows a public storm in Iran, where state media allegedly labeled some players “traitors” after they did not sing the national anthem. The New York Times reports that five others were granted visas earlier, underscoring a growing exodus of Iranian women’s sports figures amid intensifying political pressure.
How Australia’s asylum process works
Individuals who are physically in Australia can apply for protection through the permanent Protection visa (subclass 866), assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. While a claim is processed, applicants are generally given a bridging visa—temporary status that keeps them lawfully in the country and can include work rights. Protection decisions turn on whether the person meets the Refugee Convention definition (a “well‑founded fear” of persecution based on factors like political opinion or membership of a particular social group) or Australia’s complementary protection criteria (risk of significant harm such as arbitrary deprivation of life or torture). If refused, applicants usually have access to independent merits review. Processing times vary widely and can extend for many months or years.
What this means for Iranian athletes and other applicants
For athletes who publicly protest or are targeted for perceived political dissent—such as declining to sing a national anthem—the protection claim may hinge on evidence that returning would expose them to serious harm or persecution. Practically, those in Australia for competition can lodge protection claims onshore; current visa type or conditions typically do not bar filing a protection application. If protection is granted, the 866 visa provides permanent residence, access to work and study, and a pathway to citizenship under general residence rules. In the meantime, applicants should expect interviews, document requests, and potential delays—and consider legal assistance to navigate complex credibility and country‑risk assessments.
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