Australia will now detain tourists with expired visas

Australia will soon begin detaining individuals whose visas have expired. Tony Burke, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, announced this news at a national press conference, adding that this action is part of a broader program to control immigration.

Increase in Border Force Personnel

According to Burke, the Australian Border Force will bolster its team by adding 100 new officers. These officers will be tasked with detaining or encouraging approximately 77,000 individuals living in Australia without visas to leave the country. Burke added that this policy is designed to address the consequences of illegal residency in the country.

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He also responded to comparisons of the new program with the strict measures implemented in the United States, emphasizing that such operations in Australia are different and not at all similar to what is seen in other countries. Meanwhile, Australia remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Establishment of New Detention Facilities

To facilitate this operation, 250 new detention beds will be created, including the use of a former quarantine center in Melbourne. These measures are being taken as the population of individuals with expired visas is steadily increasing. The number of these individuals has risen from about 64,000 in 2016 to over 77,000 in 2026.

Burke noted that the government will also address the phenomenon known as "visa hopping," which refers to switching between different types of visas to extend residency. Thus, a new regulation titled "No Further Stay" will be implemented to prevent new visa applications from individuals entering the country as tourists.

These changes come as human rights groups have raised concerns about their implications. The Human Rights Center of Australia has expressed worry that these actions may lead unauthorized workers and those at risk of exploitation to refrain from reporting cases of abuse.

Social and Political Impacts

The ruling Labor Party in Australia has emphasized that the new changes to visa laws are not a response to the rising popularity of the right-wing "One Nation Party." This party has been identified as one of the most popular in the country by 2026. Meanwhile, Australia continues to be recognized as a favored destination for tourists and international students, which has a significant impact on the country's economy.

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