Outstaying travel visas ‘not worth the risk’

Irish citizens abroad have been urged not to outstay working or travel visas, after two Irish backpackers were detained in Australia for not leaving the country on time.

The pair of travellers, both female, were taken into custody after a dawn raid at their house in Carlisle, western Australia. They were held at Perth Immigration Detention Centre and are to be deported from the country shortly.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the number of travellers that are removed from Australia is small and consistent with other countries.

“Exact figures are not available but in the view of our embassy in Canberra, supported by feedback from local Irish community groups, the number of such detentions is small and would be similar to other such groups in Australia and indeed to Irish emigrant groups elsewhere,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that outstaying a temporary visa is not worth the risk.

“Irish nationals should not outstay their visa. Outstaying your visa is a federal offence in Australia,” he said.