In a late-night sitting on 20 January 2026, both houses of Federal Parliament rushed through the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026. The legislation was introduced only three hours before the final vote, a timetable the Government says was necessary in the wake of the 14 December Bondi terror attack.
The law creates new aggravated offences for hate-motivated violence, imposes tougher penalties on extremist organisations and—crucially for mobility managers—amends the Migration Act 1958 to give the Home Affairs Minister expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas on national-security or hate-speech grounds. Travellers who have promoted or financed extremist content can now be barred from entering Australia, and permanent residents convicted of a designated hate crime will face mandatory visa cancellation and removal within 28 days, subject to limited humanitarian exemptions.
Business immigration advisers warn that the breadth of the new discretionary powers could capture high-profile speakers, social-media influencers and even corporate executives whose online comments are deemed extremist. Companies planning short-term visits for conferences or secondments are being urged to conduct enhanced social-media screening and to build extra lead-time into visa applications until policy guidance is released.
![Australian Parliament Fast-Tracks ‘Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026’]()
For organisations that suddenly need expert assistance navigating Australia’s tightened character rules, VisaHQ offers an online portal and dedicated case managers who can pre-screen travellers, flag potential risks and streamline individual or group visa filings. More details on their Australian services can be found at https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan voted for the Bill but voiced concern that ‘legislation on the run’ could chill legitimate political debate and generate legal inconsistency. Several industry groups, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, are calling for an urgent Senate committee review and clearer definitions of “hate” and “extremism” before the first cancellations occur.
Practically, mobility teams should expect longer character-checking queues in the ETA and subclass 400 streams, and should monitor departmental policy instructions that are expected within 14 days of Royal Assent. HR and legal teams should also review existing employee-social-media policies to minimise future immigration risk. (miragenews.com)
The law creates new aggravated offences for hate-motivated violence, imposes tougher penalties on extremist organisations and—crucially for mobility managers—amends the Migration Act 1958 to give the Home Affairs Minister expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas on national-security or hate-speech grounds. Travellers who have promoted or financed extremist content can now be barred from entering Australia, and permanent residents convicted of a designated hate crime will face mandatory visa cancellation and removal within 28 days, subject to limited humanitarian exemptions.
Business immigration advisers warn that the breadth of the new discretionary powers could capture high-profile speakers, social-media influencers and even corporate executives whose online comments are deemed extremist. Companies planning short-term visits for conferences or secondments are being urged to conduct enhanced social-media screening and to build extra lead-time into visa applications until policy guidance is released.
For organisations that suddenly need expert assistance navigating Australia’s tightened character rules, VisaHQ offers an online portal and dedicated case managers who can pre-screen travellers, flag potential risks and streamline individual or group visa filings. More details on their Australian services can be found at https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan voted for the Bill but voiced concern that ‘legislation on the run’ could chill legitimate political debate and generate legal inconsistency. Several industry groups, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, are calling for an urgent Senate committee review and clearer definitions of “hate” and “extremism” before the first cancellations occur.
Practically, mobility teams should expect longer character-checking queues in the ETA and subclass 400 streams, and should monitor departmental policy instructions that are expected within 14 days of Royal Assent. HR and legal teams should also review existing employee-social-media policies to minimise future immigration risk. (miragenews.com)
