Australian Deputy Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite announced that, as part of efforts to reduce immigration rates, tourists who overstay their visas will be placed in immigration detention centers and deported.
Australian Deputy Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite noted that the number of foreign nationals in violation of visa regulations had risen to 77,000, signaling a new tightening of immigration policy. Under the new measures, restrictions have been placed on students bringing family members with them, a lottery system has been introduced for vacation and work visas, and penalties for those who overstay their visas have been increased. Thistlethwaite noted that tourists who fail to comply with visa regulations will be placed in detention centers and subsequently deported to their home countries, arguing that this measure will serve as a strong deterrent against rule violations.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke, meanwhile, said that 250 new beds would be added to immigration centers to accommodate those who violate visa regulations, and that 100 new staff members would be hired to conduct on-site inspections. Erin McLeod, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, who criticized the decision, warned that detaining tourists would seriously damage the country’s image as a hospitable destination and harm its economy, while refugee rights advocates noted that the measure would create legal and humanitarian security issues, pointing out that the Australian Migration Act does not permit detention for punitive purposes.