The Australian government has introduced new measures to address the rising number of visa overstayers, which currently totals approximately 77,000 individuals. Under these updated regulations, tourists who remain in the country beyond their authorized stay will face mandatory immigration detention as a deterrent. Officials plan to increase capacity by 250 beds and hire additional compliance staff to enforce these rules. While the government maintains this is necessary to ensure compliance, the policy has drawn criticism from the tourism sector, which fears damage to the nation's reputation as a welcoming destination. Furthermore, advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding the legality and safety of using punitive detention, citing existing issues within the country's immigration facilities. The ruling Labour party has denied that these changes are a direct response to political pressure from right-wing parties advocating for reduced migration levels.
Source : The Journal
Photo : The Journal
