Influencer Big John Fisher Devastated as Visa Issues Block Entry to Australia
A British social media influencer, John “Big John” Fisher, faced unexpected difficulties upon his arrival in Australia. He was denied entry due to visa issues, leading to his detention at a deportation hotel. This incident occurred shortly after his arrival in Perth for a series of planned fan events.
Visa Issues Prevent Entry to Australia
Fisher, who traveled to Australia for meet and greet sessions, was stopped by border officers. They discovered he was intending to engage in paid work during his stay, which is prohibited under visitor visa regulations. This regulation only permits unpaid work for travelers on such visas.
Details of Detention
After a lengthy ordeal, Fisher was interrogated by officials for four hours. Ultimately, he was placed in a hotel designated for deportees and reported feeling treated harshly. He expressed his disappointment on social media, mentioning he had to cancel his plans for the weekend.
Personal Impact
- Date of Incident: Current day marks Fisher’s 52nd birthday.
- Duration of Flight: 17 hours from the UK to Australia.
- Duration of Detention: 4 hours before being sent to the deportation hotel.
Fisher’s son, professional boxer Johnny Fisher, expressed his support, humorously suggesting that Australian officials might be intimidated by his father’s sporting prowess. Despite the setback, Big John maintained a positive outlook, vowing to return to Australia in the future.
Planned Events Cancelled
Before being detained, Fisher had scheduled appearances at locations such as the Hillarys Beach Club in Perth and events at Perth Racing. Fans were eager to engage, with tickets priced at $30, which included photo opportunities and signed merchandise. In light of the entry ban, he encouraged fans to attend the events he would miss.
Understanding Visitor Visa Regulations
Australia has strict guidelines regarding visitor visas. Anyone entering the country under this visa type is not allowed to undertake paid work. Should circumstances change, visitors must apply for a new visa that permits employment.
The Department of Home Affairs in Australia emphasizes that visa decisions are made case-by-case, depending on the specifics of the situation presented.
Fisher’s unexpected experience highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to visa regulations when traveling, especially for those planning to engage in work or public events.
