The Australian government has taken extraordinary measures in favor of protecting its citizens. Part of their reaction is in response to the deepening crisis in the Middle East. Once the war broke out in Israel, the Israeli government worked quickly to set up buses. Their ultimate goal is to bring a much larger group of Australians home—dozens, at most, from our best estimates—back to Australia. The Australian government has issued a firm call for its nationals in Iran to return home. If possible, they must use ground transport as long as it’s safe and feasible.
As of today, a little over 2,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents have signed up with the federal government. In addition, they have articulated their desire to depart Iran with their immediate family members as well. The circumstances were extraordinary, so Australian diplomats had no time to waste getting evacuated from Tehran. They were forcibly and violently moved across the border into Azerbaijan. Many of these diplomats will continue to be posted along the Iran-Azerbaijan border to facilitate more evacuations.
Diplomatic Efforts and Travel Warnings
Acknowledging the increasingly dangerous security environment, Foreign Minister Penny Wong released at least three travel advisories. She reiterated her call for Australians remaining in Iran to depart immediately when safe to do so.
“I urge Australians who want to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe,” – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Evacuation travel advice now indicates that Australians may be able to leave via land borders. These connection routes are the only ones that go to Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. As it turns out, these roads can get pretty packed. They are on the front lines of exposure to security risks, like military action and terrorism.
Australian citizens need to be aware of visa requirements for crossing most borders, with the exception of Armenia. Wong observed that some Australians have already used private transport services to flee Israel as the crisis continues to develop.
“We have taken the opportunity to get a small group of Australians out of Israel through a land border crossing,” – Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Ongoing Evacuations and Support
The Australian Federal Government continues to negotiate to ensure evacuations continue and is offering support to the Australians who remain in Iran. Wong affirmed that many Australians had been safely evacuated from Iran earlier this week. She said it wasn’t good enough and that officials need to do better in the next 24 hours.
“We are seeking to try and do more of that over the next 24 hours,” – Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Dozens of European countries have evacuated hundreds of their respective citizens from Israel. They traveled by bus overland through Egypt to neighboring Jordan, at a time when Australia is still considering its own options. The United States has engaged in evacuation efforts. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in a statement today publicized plans for evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for American citizens.
Beyond Australian initiatives, we have heard reports of Pakistan and India doing the same kind of thing. Some 1,000 Pakistani nationals and at least 110 Indian students have made it out from Iran so far.
Safety Precautions and Local Guidance
The Australian government has sent a perfectly clear signal. Citizens in Iran who are not able or do not want to depart permanently should be able to return as soon as it is safe. The DFAT has warned Australians to seriously consider their safety before making any journey to depart.
“If you are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities,” – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Tensions in the embattled region are rising sharply. In turn, Australian embassies and consulates abroad are working diligently to assist citizens trapped by these evolving situations. The Australian Ambassador to Iran will stay on in the region to help coordinate Australia’s continued government response to this crisis.
“Australia’s Ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the Australian Government’s response to this crisis,” – Foreign Minister Penny Wong
