Australia has granted humanitarian visas to Iranian women's football players who refused to sing their national anthem during a match against South Korea last week, after concerns arose that they could be at risk if they returned to their country.
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The Australian government has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's football team who came to Australia to participate in the Asian Cup football tournament. Australia has granted humanitarian visas to the Iranian women's football team players who refused to sing their national anthem during last week's match against South Korea after concerns that they could be at risk if they returned to their country.
The Iranian women's football team arrived in Australia about a month ago to play in the Asian Cup. Although Australia said it would support all the Iranian football team players, only five players decided to seek asylum. Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke has approved their visa process. Minister Burke informed that they have been moved to a safe place after being granted visas. According to the BBC, the players who sought asylum are Fatema Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefe Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi.
Australia provides permanent protection as refugees under the humanitarian visa program. In which they can live, study and work. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that they are safe and can feel safe in Australia as their home. Nepal Angus Taylor, a member of the Australian opposition party, has also supported the government's decision.
US President Donald Trump had also urged Prime Minister Albanese to provide assistance on this issue. Trump wrote on social media that he had already provided assistance to 5 people and that Prime Minister Albanese had done a good job. The Australian government has said that it will provide assistance to all members of the Iranian football team. Prime Minister Albanese has said that Australia is available if assistance is needed.
The Iranian women's football team sat silently at the start of the match without singing the national anthem. This received international media attention. Australia has extended its helping hand amid concerns that they may be unsafe if they return.
