Australia grants citizenship to two Iranian women footballers who sought asylum

The Refugee Council of Australia, a nonprofit umbrella organisation representing asylum-seekers, said refugees usually must live in Australia on a valid visa for four years before they can apply for citizenship.

Pair were part of a group of seven players who initially accepted asylum following international play in Australia in March

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, after refusing to return to Iran.

Iran players stayed in country after Asian Cup in March Duo condemned as traitors in Iran for not singing anthem Two former Iranian footballers said on Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being called traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game. Fat

Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia in March have been granted citizenship.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said on Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their home city of Brisbane.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said on Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their home city of Brisbane.

The two female footballers sought asylum in Australia earlier this year and have now been granted citizenship

Two Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum in Australia have been granted citizenship

Australia grants citizenship to 2 Iranian women’s soccer players who sought asylum  Toronto Star

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh sought asylum after the Asian Cup in March this year, due to fears of reprisal from the Iranian government.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran's leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

An immigration lawyer says many Iranian men in Canada are facing deportation for having formerly served in the Iranian military as a conscript.