balkanghost

A government crackdown on fraudulent second-year working holiday visa applications has resulted in rising numbers of backpackers withdrawing their applications, according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC director of working holiday section Deirdre Russack told delegates at the Adventure and Backpacker Industry Conference (ABiC) an Irish backpacker had his visa cancelled after he was found to have submitted a fraudulent application.

I am curious as to why Australia and media publicise to Australians every single flexing of the muscle regarding foreigners, etc.?

ABCDiamond

Probably in the hope that the people getting the fraudulent visas read it and don't bother, or withdraw their applications.

That will leave more time for DIAC to process genuine applications of all types, instead of wasting valuable time on fraud.

Zambia

Same reasons "Border security" exists to dissuade people from ending up on it.

Zambia

And before you shine to great a light on us Paddies

http://tumbrella.com.au/2009/10/25/a...0%99-to-leave/

British travellers have become the single largest group of people staying in Australia illegally after their visa has expired, according to the Aussie immigration minister.

The minister, Chris Evans, has told the Australian Parliament that the majority of visa over-stayers are English men under 25 who are simply having too good a time to go home.

“Visa overstayers are people who come on a valid visa, who then become unlawful overstayers,” said Evans.

He added: “They’re often young Englishmen who have gone to a party and are a few days late because they’re having such a good time in Sydney. Or they’ve met a young lady and having a good time.”

Pollyana

As if we would
Though quite why Chris Evans thinks the English are the only men who overstay their visas after meeting young ladies, I'm not quite sure!

BadgeIsBack

It's well documented that the Brits are often habitual overstayers. Generally they are easy to deal with though I should imagine.

Rapid exit to an airport and a ban on a Tourist Visa for 3 years. Actually fairly easy to adminster and lets DIMA (or whatever they are called now) fry larger fish.

Zambia

I agree as soon as the option of Villawood is mentioned its straight back on the plane to Blighty and home in time for tea and sandwhich's.

Cant blame them.

However overstaying a valid VISA in the hope of staying in Oz for life is a fools option.

oz miller man

i overstayed 2 days on my WHV for all the reasons evans said

all the bloke at customs said on way out was hope you had a great year in oz

BadgeIsBack

Exactly. I'm not sure if DIMA etc would even accompany them to the airport!!!

Some of these backpackers get picked up in some pretty remote areas - I found myself in regional WA when a group of DIMA inspectors turned up so unless there is organisation and transport arranged to get the people to an airport maybe they are allowed to re-patriate themselves in a given window or become a marked card...and then suffer the consequences down the road when they are found, or turn up elsewhere - even if it is to repatriate themselves.

LisaIan

Good! I personally think this 'crackdown' is long overdue. I've met loads of people on their 2nd WHVs and all of them were obtained fraudulently. Other than myself and my partner I don't know anyone who has obtained them legally.

Just my 2 cents

Lisa

Pollyana

Oh I know its well documented, I just found it funy that he named the ENglish guys as the main overstayers for that reason........does that mean they are the only nation led by that small part of their anatomy.....?

I agree Lisa. Some of us jump through hoops to get here and to stay legally. Visa fraud is visa fraud, whether its a WHV or a skills visa or whatever.

(personal comment there, not as a Mod!)

Zambia

2 Days is an easy one to over look.