Aussies with dual-citizenship ‘exempt’ from Trump travel ban

Chicago, Illinois, USA, - March 11th, 2016:
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has advised Australians with dual nationality will be exempt from President Donald Trump’s travel ban on individuals from 7 predominately Muslim-populated nations.
According to a report on ABC, Turnbull said he was assured by the White House that the weekend’s executive order for a 90-day ban on immigration to the US on individuals from Iran, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would not affect Australians who hold dual-nationality with these nations.

Per the ABC, ‘more than 110,000 Australian residents were born in one of these seven countries and their ability to travel to the US was in doubt until Foreign Minister Julie Bishop instructed diplomats to secure exemptions’.

In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom also said that their dual citizens will be exempt from the temporary policy.

The news comes as a 15-year old Melbourne schoolboy claims the US Consulate denied him a visa because he holds dual Iranian-Australian citizenship. Turnbull said the case may be reconsidered in light of the assurances provided today.

DFAT issued advice yesterday for those travelling to the US who may be affected.

Protests continue across US airports over the immigration ban and airlines have offered full refunds or change to travel plans for any affected parties.

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