IN THE LAST three years, Australia has deported almost 1,000 Irish nationals for visa breaches.

According to figures from the the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, since 2010 a total of 891 Irish overstayers have been removed under visa conditions after they came to the attention of the authorities.

Sent home

On average an Irish national is sent packing almost every day after outstaying their visa conditions, reports the Irish Echo, adding that is costing Australia up to $5,000 to deport each person. The costs depend on on the method of removal, the person’s final destination country and the cost of airfares.

Australian Minister Michaelia Cash told the Irish Echo that unlawful non-citizens are not entitled to remain in Australia and will be removed.

Figures also show that from 2010 to 2011, 16 Irish people were removed from immigration detention centres and sent home to Ireland. This figure increased to 29 in the past year, with a total of 72 Irish people being deported from these institutions over a three-year period.

Irish nationals deported under the “monitored departure from the community” category accounted for 776 deportations.

These are people that are bridging visas but are still living in the community up until their departure from Australia.

Assistance

Assisted voluntary return was provided to 43 Irish nationals over the three-year period. This is used when bridging visa holders who wish to leave Australia but need financial assistance to do so.

The department warned that people who overstay their visa may be prevented from being granted a temporary visa for Australia for three years. They encouraged visa overstayers to come forward and discuss their situation.