Australian dual-nationals won't be affected by Donald Trump's controversial immigration ban, as part of a deal secured with the White House and announced by Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday.
Mr Turnbull said Australia had secured preferential treatment for citizens who have dual nationality with any of the seven countries included in the executive order, confirmed by Mr Trump's National Security Adviser General Michael Flynn and Australia's Ambassador to Washington Joe Hockey.
More World News Videos
- Video duration
- 01:20
Australians exempt from US ban
Australians exempt from US ban
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed Australian passport holders are free to travel to the US despite Donald Trump's crackdown.
Up Next
Former US Ambassador unloads on Trump
- Video duration
- 01:05
- Video duration
- 01:05
Former US Ambassador unloads on Trump
Former US Ambassador unloads on Trump
The former US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, has issued a statement slamming President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration.
Up Next
Faint corporate outcry after Trump's travel ban
- Video duration
- 01:08
- Video duration
- 01:08
Faint corporate outcry after Trump's ...
Faint corporate outcry after Trump's travel ban
Most U.S. corporate bosses have stayed silent on President Donald Trump's immigration curbs.
Up Next
Manufacturers wield clout with Trump
- Video duration
- 01:21
- Video duration
- 01:21
Manufacturers wield clout with Trump
Manufacturers wield clout with Trump
Silicon Valley has lashed out at Trump's immigration curbs. But the sector that could have the most say is manufacturing.
Up Next
Washington state to block Trump immigration order
- Video duration
- 01:10
- Video duration
- 01:10
Washington state to block Trump ...
Washington state to block Trump immigration order
The state of Washington will challenge U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order banning immigration from some Muslim-majority states in federal court, the state's Attorney General Bob Ferguson said on Monday.
Up Next
Deadliest clashes in Ukraine in weeks claim seven
- Video duration
- 01:00
- Video duration
- 01:00
Deadliest clashes in Ukraine in weeks ...
Deadliest clashes in Ukraine in weeks claim seven
Ukraine's military says the number of its soldiers killed in an offensive by pro-Russian separatists over the past two days has risen to seven in the deadliest outbreak of fighting in the east of the country since mid-December.
Up Next
Goldman opposes Trump travel ban
- Video duration
- 01:15
- Video duration
- 01:15
Goldman opposes Trump travel ban
Goldman opposes Trump travel ban
CEO Lloyd Blankfein told employees that Goldman Sachs does not support President Trump's immigration curbs against certain Muslim countries.
Australians exempt from US ban
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed Australian passport holders are free to travel to the US despite Donald Trump's crackdown.
The concession comes after citizens of Britain and other nations were given preferential treatment by the new US administration on Monday.
"We have received confirmation from the White House this morning that Australian passport holders will be able to travel to and from the United States in the normal way," Mr Turnbull said.
Related Content
"They won't be affected by the recent executive order... regardless of whether they are dual-citizens of another country, or where they were born.
"So that's an important assurance that we've received from the White House this morning and that underlines the way in which my government is working constantly with the new administration to advance and protect the national interest of Australia and the interests of Australians citizens."
After a day of criticism over his response to the ban impacting majority Muslim nations and banning all refugee admissions to the US, Mr Turnbull said he wouldn't join world leaders including British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in publicly criticising Mr Trump.
Asked about criticism by former US ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich, and claims he is "weak" for not condemning the ban, Mr Turnbull said: "My job as Prime Minister of Australia is to advance the national interest of Australia and protect the interests of Australian citizens."
"So when I need to give frank advice, fearless advice I do so privately but I don't comment on American domestic policy policy.
"Others can engage in commentary, my job is stand up for Australia, Australians interests and that's what we've done today," he said.
Mr Turnbull is preparing to speak to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, to offer condolences from Australia over the deaths of six people in a shooting at a mosque in Quebec City on Monday.
Mr Trudeau used social media to immediately criticise Mr Trump's immigration ban.
The change could see a Melbourne schoolboy denied a visa because of the entry bans allowed to visit the US.
Pouya Ghadirian, 15, was born in Australia but holds dual Iranian-Australian citizenship by descent. He was told he could not travel to the US by staff in the Melbourne consulate on Monday.
Mr Turnbull said his case could be reconsidered as a result of the dual-nationals exemption.
More to come
36 comments
New User? Sign up