Vietnamese tourist had his visa to Australia canceled because of text messages on his phone

A Vietnamese male passenger had his entry visa canceled by authorities at Sydney International Airport after being discovered to have fraudulently determined the purpose of his trip. This incident was recorded in episode 14 “The Big Haul”, part 16 of the documentary Border Security: Australia’s Front Linem, broadcast in September 2025.

According to images and information in the documentary, Although he entered the country on a tourist visa, this person raised suspicions when he returned to Australia two weeks after returning home, while previously staying here for 3 months. Notably, this passenger only brought 1,400 AUD (about 26 million VND) in cash for his intended stay of two months and could not prove his financial capacity through a bank account.

Through checking electronic devices, officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) discovered text messages on this male tourist’s phone with content discussing employment at a restaurant, including messages asking for leave from work and requesting salary payment.

Faced with the evidence, the male tourist admitted to working illegally on the previous trip and received a remuneration of 150 AUD (2.75 million VND). Due to violating visa conditions (not being allowed to work), this passenger had his visa canceled and was placed in a detention area waiting to return to Vietnam on the earliest flight.

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line is a famous Australian reality documentary series, recording the daily operations of law enforcement forces at border gates, including the Border Force (ABF), the Department of Agriculture and the Transport Security Agency. The program provides a direct look at the strict control process for passengers and goods entering the “land of kangaroos”.

Throughout the episodes, the audience witnessed real-life handling situations: from detecting prohibited goods and undeclared food to uncovering visa fraud.

The highlight of the program is clarifying the authority of customs officers to check personal electronic devices such as phones and computers if there is doubt about the purpose of entry. Thereby, the program is not only entertaining but also acts as a warning guide, helping visitors understand the strict legal regulations and serious consequences of violating Australia’s immigration laws.

According to the Australian Immigration Department, the Australian tourist visa (subclass 600 – Tourist stream) allows foreigners to enter the country to visit, visit relatives or participate in short-term courses of less than three months.

Holders of this visa can stay for a maximum of 12 months but are strictly prohibited from working to earn money. Tourists can still volunteer without pay if the activity is only supplementary to the vacation and does not replace the position of on-site workers.

Kells Law Office in Australia informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs still allows conversion from a tourist visa to a work visa if the current visa does not have the condition “8503 – No Further Stay” attached.

Tourists need to find a sponsoring business that meets the standards of professional qualifications, English proficiency and health check as prescribed.