Australia has announced a six-month ban on Iranians who hold visitor visas and prohibited them from travelling to the country, according to Al Jazeera.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke insisted that the steps were aimed at “protecting the integrity and sustainability” of the migration system.

Iranians already travelling to Australia, or those who are spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent visa holders, will be exempt from the restrictions.

Burke also said that a small number of people will be granted a “permitted travel certificate” on a case-by-case basis.

“There are many visitor visas that were issued before the conflict in Iran, which may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” Burke was quoted as saying.