Australia to Detain Tourists Violating Visa Regulations

Australia's Deputy Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite announced that the number of foreigners violating visa regulations has risen to 77,000, indicating a new tightening in immigration policy. With the decision taken, restrictions have been imposed on students bringing family members, a lottery system has been introduced for holiday and work visas, and punitive measures for those exceeding visa durations have been increased. Thistlethwaite stated that tourists not complying with visa rules will be placed in detention centers and subsequently deported to their countries, arguing that this practice will serve as a strong warning against rule violations.

'250 BEDS AND 100 NEW INSPECTORS TO BE ASSIGNED'

Immigration Minister Tony Burke said that 250 new bed capacities will be opened in migrant centers to accommodate those violating visa regulations, and 100 new personnel will be employed to conduct field inspections. Erin McLeod, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, who criticized the decision, warned that detaining tourists would seriously damage the country's hospitable image and economy, while refugee rights advocates stated that the practice would create legal and humanitarian security issues, noting that the Australian Migration Act does not permit detention for punitive purposes.