The father of AFL player Dustin Martin has had his visa cancelled over links with an outlaw bikie gang.

Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton today confirmed the visa of New Zealander Shane Martin - who is reportedly a senior Rebels bikie - was cancelled recently.

"We are determined to target people who have been involved particularly at high levels of outlaw motorcycle gangs," Mr Dutton told reporters in Melbourne.

"This government is at war with outlaw motorcycle gangs because they are distributing drugs across society and they are involved in serious crime."

Mr Dutton said 81 bikie members or their associates had had their visas cancelled or refused since mid-2014.

The minister said cancelling the visas of non-citizens was a key weapon when it came to the war on bikies.

The government can cancel someone's visa on character grounds.

Mr Dutton wouldn't say whether Mr Martin was in custody.

News Corp reports the Richmond player's father was detained in Sydney yesterday.

Speaking generally - rather than specifically about Mr Martin - Mr Dutton noted people who have their visa cancelled can contest the decision in the courts before they are deported.