Iran International

Australia granted permanent residency to Hanieh Safavi, the daughter of Iranian Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a sanctioned adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a former senior figure in the Revolutionary Guards, despite repeated warnings to the government, The Australian reported on Wednesday.

Safavi arrived on a student visa in 2024 and later obtained a skilled independent visa. She is now registered as a provisional psychologist in Australia.

Her residency has drawn criticism from members of the Iranian diaspora and opposition lawmakers. Liberal Senator Dave Sharma wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke that it was “concerning and potentially alarming that the daughter of a senior IRGC commander, on the Australian sanctions list, appears to be residing in Australia.”

An Iranian-Australian activist also wrote to authorities, saying: “(Ms Safavi) left her IRGC commander father behind and came to live freely in Australia. This is the injustice I cannot remain silent about.” He added that the issue was about ensuring the visa system “applies the same rigorous standards to everyone.”

A government spokesperson said all visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must satisfy all criteria before approval.