Australia has warned that tourists who exceed their visa’s authorized stay may be placed in administrative detention, as the government escalates its crackdown on immigration in an effort to discourage extended visits beyond permitted dates.
Detention Measures Announced
The declaration, made on Friday, September 18, forms part of a wider tightening of immigration policy. A day earlier, Interior Minister Tony Burke had already announced restrictions on student and working-holiday visas, stating the government wanted to demonstrate it “controls” immigration.
Burke indicated that 250 new detention places would be created and 100 additional officers recruited to sanction those overstaying their visas.
On Friday, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite clarified that holders of a simple tourist visa would also be subject to detention if they overstay. “We believe, obviously, this deterrent measure will ensure that people respect” the conditions of their stay in Australia, he told News24.
Government Aims to Reduce Migration Balance
According to authorities, approximately 77,000 people remain in Australia after their visas—of all types—have expired. The Labor government aims to reduce the country’s annual migration balance to 225,000, down from the current 292,000, in a nation-continent of nearly 28 million inhabitants.
On Thursday, Tony Burke denied that the toughening of migration policy was a response to the rise of the far-right One Nation party, which polls at 25% of voting intentions, instead citing the need to address a housing crisis.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Tourism
The measure has drawn criticism from the Australian tourism industry. The Australian Tourism Council, representing thousands of professionals, expressed fears about the country’s image. Its director, Erin McLeod, warned that apprehending tourists could “become really damaging, with tourism being an important part of the Australian economy,” she told AFP.
Human rights advocates have also voiced concern. Rebecca Eckard of the Australian Refugee Council described the punitive aspect of the measure as illegal and denounced insufficient access to healthcare in detention centers.
