The Latest Breaking News from Department of Home Affairs

Australia’s $50,000 parent visa takes so long to process that applicants die waiting

Approvals can take decades – and more than 1,500 people died in a 21-month period as they waited, data shows

The Guardian - AU · Aug 6

South Africa launches ETA: Indians can now get digital travel approval in 24-48 hours

South Africa has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for Indian citizens. This digital authorisation allows short-term visits without needing to visit a visa centre. Eligible travellers can apply online for tourism and business trips up to ninety days. The system is currently available for specific airports and will expand…

The Economic Times · Jul 28

‘I lost hope in humanity, but I now call myself human’: what refugees told us about settling in regional Australia

While most Australians embrace multiculturalism, migration remains a contentious topic in Australia. Negative opinions, often unsubstantiated, are regularly aired in public debate.

The Conversation · Mar 23

Thousands of extremists posts removed from social media

The Department of Home Affairs issued more than 3000 notices to social media companies requesting violent or extremist posts be removed in just six months.

AAP · Jan 7, 2024

Home affairs tried to water down report critical of ‘extraordinary’ counter-terror powers, documents reveal

Department engaged researchers to review its preventative detention of terrorists, only to attempt to remove their most serious criticisms

The Guardian - AU · Aug 10, 2023

Federal government criticised for not raising awareness of multicultural policies review

Community groups say they were not informed about a Home Affairs review into multicultural policies, with submissions for the terms of reference closing on March 19.

ABC News · Mar 7, 2023

Refugees held offshore plead with Australia to be moved, saying ‘every day is suffering’

Home affairs department’s submission to inquiry is the only one opposing Greens senator’s bill calling for refugee evacuation to Australia

The Guardian - AU · Mar 6, 2023

Australians share their stories of losing and regaining their citizenship under outdated law

After Australian man Matthew Niall revealed how he lost his citizenship under an outdated law, several others have come forward with their own stories of being stripped of their citizenship and how they regained it, showing his situation was far from an isolated case.

ABC News · Mar 3, 2023

Man jailed for arranging sham marriage in visa bid

Chao Hsien Hung has been jailed after organising a sham marriage in a bid to help a man and woman obtain Australian visas and permanent residency.

AAP · Mar 1, 2023

Visa delays caused by security checks turning Chinese students away from Australian universities

Research students turn to US and Europe instead of waiting for Department of Home Affairs to approve study in some STEM fields

The Guardian - AU · Feb 18, 2023