Migrants booted over Covid rule breaches

Non-Australians who fail to comply with Covid restrictions face deportation, with several already booted from the country in a compliance crackdown.

Australian Border Force is cracking down on non-citizens who breach Covid rules as part of Operation Baritone.

A crackdown on non-Australians who breach Covid restrictions is being ramped up by the Australian Border Force.

The ABF launched Operation Baritone in May 2020 to ensure non-citizens were obeying government regulations on mandatory quarantine, self-isolation, social distancing and other Covid restrictions.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal that as of August 19, ABF officers across Australia had cancelled 10 visas, leading to non-citizens being deported, and issued 456 warnings.

On August 6, ABF officers were called to a quarantine hotel in Melbourne and detained two unlawful non-citizens who were then transferred into immigration detention.

The two Indian nationals had been referred to the ABF by Victoria Police and Human Services Victoria for noncompliance with Covid directions after returning from a trip to Sydney.

The ABF has stepped up its crackdown during the latest lockdowns.

Between July 26 and August 19, the ABF issued 73 warnings to non-citizens referred by state and territory police for breaches of health restrictions. In Sydney, nine non-citizens on student and bridging visas were issued warnings after breaking rules by gathering at a house party.

Since Operation Baritone began the ABF has cancelled four visas in Victoria and issued 253 warnings and cancelled one visa in NSW and issued 131 warnings.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said: “There’s no place in Australia for those who break our laws or don’t respect the conditions of their visa. Coming to, and staying in, Australia are privileges at the best of times, and more so now during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

She said the government would continue to take strong action against people “selfishly” violating laws and risking the community’s health.

“The Victorian and NSW communities can be assured that the ABF are hard at work keeping Australians safe,” she said.