Caution! Your Australian Visa Can Be Cancelled for an Inappropriate Social Media Post

It’s true! Australian immigration department can cancel your visa due to an inappropriate social media post created or shared by you. Initially, this type of visa condition was only applicable to specific visa categories; but now, most of the Temporary Visa categories will be governed by this rule. Over the period of time, the Australian government has taken such steps with a view to make their immigration policy more stern and amendment of this particular immigration rule is the true example of this strategy.

A Facebook Post can be a Cause of Your Visa Cancelation

In accordance with this new Immigration rule, if a visa holder is found guilty of posting an online slander (Written Defamation) post, associated with gender, ethnicity, religion or sexuality etc, the Australian immigration department is authorized to cancel the visa. This latest amendment is associated with the Migration Legislation Amendment Regulations 2017. However, from November 18, 2017, this regulation will be applicable to a wide range of temporary visa categories.

{Read more about: Australian Immigration Requirements and its Benefits}

Now Immigration Minister is Authorized to Take Necessary Action Against An Inappropriate Online Post

The Australian immigration ministers hold the power to act against an inappropriate social media post and as a result, the office bearer can cancel the visa of the person who is responsible for such a post. The inappropriate post may relate to harassment, bullying, stalking or threatening of an individual. The fact that whether these acts fall under a criminal section or not, doesn’t preclude immigration minister to cancel the visa.

This is a Clear Warning to the Visa Holders

During a period from July 2016 to April 2017, over 47,000 visas were canceled due to numerous other reasons such as ‘Visa Conditions Violation’. Therefore, all the Australian Visa holders must act cautiously while socializing through facebook, twitter or any other social media websites.

The statement released by the Australian immigration department is quoted here for the sake of information.

“It sends a clear message, explicitly requiring that the behavior of temporary visa holders is consistent with the Australian government and community expectations.  It advises visa holders what sorts of behavior can result in visa cancellation.”

Immigration Officers Hold the Right to Evaluate the Violation

As far as the evaluation of a violation is concerned, the only person authorized to deal with is the immigration officer. Such an officer will determine as to whether a particular social media post violates the visa conditions or not. The immigration officers possess the discretion to either cancel the visa or make a decision in favor of a visa holder.