Australia has announced new measures to detain individuals who stay in the country beyond the allowed period of their visas, as part of a broader immigration policy review. The government has warned that anyone found overstaying their visa—whether they are tourists, students, or workers—could face administrative detention. Interior Minister Tony Burke outlined these changes as part of an effort to strengthen control over immigration. The plan includes creating 250 new detention places and hiring 100 more staff to enforce the policy. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite clarified that the policy applies to all visa types, including tourist visas, and is intended to act as a deterrent against non-compliance with visa conditions. The Australian Tourism Industry Council, which represents thousands of tourism professionals, has raised concerns about the potential impact of the policy on Australia’s reputation as a welcoming destination. Director Erin McLeod emphasized that tourism is a vital part of Australia’s economy, and such policies could deter international visitors. Meanwhile, human rights advocates, including Rebecca Eckard from the Australian Refugee Council, have criticized the policy as overly punitive and potentially unlawful. They have also pointed out concerns about inadequate healthcare access in detention centers. According to government data, around 77,000 people in Australia currently hold expired visas. The Australian Labor Party government has set a goal to reduce the annual migration balance to 225,000 from the current 292,000, citing the need to address domestic challenges such as the housing crisis. Minister Burke denied that the new policy is a reaction to the growing political influence of the far-right One Nation party, which currently holds 25% of voting intentions in polls. Instead, he emphasized the need to manage immigration levels to support long-term national interests. The policy has sparked debate over the balance between immigration control and the protection of human rights, as well as the potential economic consequences for industries reliant on international visitors.