AUSTRALIA
An international student carrying 1.54 kg of beef and other undeclared products has had their visa cancelled, been refused entry to Australia and received an infringement notice for a serious breach of Australia’s biosecurity laws.
Australian Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said biosecurity remained a top priority as the nation opens its borders to international travellers.
“The goods were mislabelled and deliberately misleading packaging. As well as beef, 2kg dried prawns, 500g of dried squid, 1.54kg dried persimmon and 4kg of dried fish were not declared,” Minister Littleproud said.
The traveller was issued a 12-penalty unit infringement notice ($2,664 up from $444) and referred to Australian Border Force for possible visa cancellation.
The student’s visa was cancelled and entry to Australia refused. They are now excluded from applying for another visa to enter Australia for three years and may be required to declare the cancellation when applying for a visa to another country.
“Beef is a high risk for diseases such as foot and mouth disease, putting at risk our $15.7 billion beef and veal industry,” Minister Littleproud said.
“If you bring food, plant material or animal products, you must declare them or dispose of them in the bins located in the airport immediately after disembarking the aircraft.
“This is the 15th person to learn that if you don’t declare, you may receive an infringement notice of up to $2,664 and your visa may be cancelled, barring your entry into Australia.
To learn more about items that are a biosecurity risk and may not be permitted into Australia, visit Travelling or sending goods to Australia – DAWE
