Eight bat researchers mostly from Asia and Africa refused entry into Australia to attend global scientific event

Eight researchers from Kenya, Uganda, India, Pakistan and Georgia who were invited to a global conference on bat research have been denied entry to Australia. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

Organisers of an international research conference have criticised a last-minute Australian government decision to deny visas to eight invited researchers, mostly from Asia and Africa.

Prof Justin Welbergen, chair of the 20th International Bat Research Conference in Cairns, said the decision to deny the researchers entry without option to appeal had disrupted the event, which is a key forum for global collaboration on bat research and conservation.