How do I anonymously report someone to immigration in Australia?

As someone deeply invested in immigration matters, I know how sensitive this topic can be.

Reporting someone to immigration authorities isn’t an easy decision however, sometimes, it’s the right thing to do.

Immigration rules are simple, but lots of people just don’t want to obey them.

Even though they know the consequences are heavy, they still go against them.

Read also: What happens if you stay in the UK after your visa expires?

If you’re in a situation where you’ve noticed someone violating immigration laws in Australia, reporting the person the person is the right call.

And, I’ll show you here, how to do it anonymously – so you don’t have to worry about your safety.

How do I anonymously report someone to immigration in Australia?

To report someone anonymously to immigration in Australia, get the person’s details.

Since it’s an anonymous report, you won’t be present to describe the person or the situation to the authorities, therefore, they need all the details you can give them about the person and what they did.

It aids their investigation.

1. Get details about the person

Get as much relevant information as possible. The more details you give the authorities to work with, the better they handle the situation.

If you can, get the:

• Full name of the person you are reporting
• Their nationality and visa status (if you know it)
• Details of the what the person did (e.g., overstaying a visa, working illegally)
• Addresses or locations where the person resides or works
• Any other identifying information like the person’s phone number, email address, or vehicle registration

Reflecting on my experiences, you want to ensure that your report is clear and specific.

Frankly, the more detailed you’re, the easier the investigation.

2. Choose the right reporting channel

There are several ways you can send your report to immigration authorities in Australia.

You can choose the one that feels most comfortable for you – you’ll remain anonymous:

You can go with:

• Online reporting form: The Department of Home Affairs has an online “border watch reporting form” specifically designed for reporting immigration law breaches.

You can fill out the reporting form without including your personal information.

To do it, simply visit the Department of Home affairs website here, and fill in the details.

You can read the deportment’s information protection statement here, and learn more about what they do with the information you’ll provide. 

• Phone call: You can also call the Immigration and Border Protection hotline at +61 2 6196 0196.

This number is toll-free within Australia, and you can report your concerns without revealing your identity.

Do not call on Australian public holidays, like New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

If you need an interpreter to help with your report, call TIS National at 131 450 and ask them to connect you with Border Watch.

• Email: Another option is to send an email to the Department of Home Affairs.

To protect yourself, you can create a new email address that doesn’t reveal your identity and send your report to the authorities.

Send your email to BorderWatch@abf.gov.au or foi@homeaffairs.gov.au.

• Postal mail: If you’re more comfortable with traditional methods, you can send a letter to the Department of Home Affairs.

With this method, you’ll keep your identity completely anonymous by not including any return address. The postal address is: the Department of Home Affairs
PO Box 25
Belconnen ACT 2616
Australia

From personal experience, the online form is the most straightforward method – it guides you through the process step-by-step.

However, if you prefer a more old-school approach, you’ll love mailing a letter – it is also secure for anonymity.

What does your report need?

When filling out the report, be as specific as possible.

Read also: What happens if I don’t use my Schengen visa?

The authorities rely on the information you provide to investigate the matter.

In your report, include the following:

• The nature of the violation: Explain what the person is doing that violates immigration laws. For example, if they are overstaying their visa, mention how long they have overstayed and what they are currently doing in Australia.
• The location: Specify where the person lives or works. This helps the authorities pinpoint the exact location for their investigation. I mean, it makes the investigation easy.
• Any supporting evidence: If you have any evidence, like photos, documents, or emails, include them in your report. If you’re submitting your report online or via email, you can attach files.

I recall a time when I had to assist in a report regarding a different legal matter.

The more precise the information, the quicker and more effective the authorities will act.

How can you maintain your anonymity when reporting to immigration in Australia?

When making an anonymous report – your target is to ensure that your identity is not revealed.

Here are a few tips:

• Avoid using personal devices: If you’re particularly concerned about anonymity, then avoid using your personal computer or phone to submit the report. Instead, use a public computer or a different device. I prefer to public computer. it can’t be traced to you.
• Use a VPN: If you’re submitting the report online, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address.
• Create a new email account: If you choose to report via email, create a new email account solely for this purpose. While creating the email, use false details – do not include anything relating to you.
• Be cautious about what you share: Even in an anonymous report, be careful and do not share any information that will potentially identify you.

Maintaining anonymity is something I’ve had to consider in various situations.

Whether it’s related to online activities or other sensitive matters, taking these steps will give you peace of mind.

What happens after reporting?

After you’ve made your report, the Department of Home Affairs will assess the information you provided.

If they find your report credible, they’ll start an investigation.

During the investigation, they’ll contact the person involved, conduct interviews, or even carry out surveillance.

I forget to remind you that once you submit your report, your work ends.

You won’t be updated on the status of the investigation, nor will you be asked for further information unless you voluntarily decide to follow up.

From what I’ve seen, these investigations take time.

How long it lasts depends on the severity of the violation and the evidence you provided in your report.

Why you should report only genuine violations

For real, reporting someone to immigration authorities is a serious issue – the person can end up fined, banned or deported if found guilty.

Ensure that your report is based on genuine concerns and accurate information.

I’ve always believed that it’s important to balance your sense of responsibility with compassion.

If you’re uncertain about the violation, gather more evidence before submitting your report.

What can you report?

You can report any of the following violations to immigration:

1. Visa overstay: This happens when someone stays in Australia after their visa has expired.

2. Working illegally: When someone works without the right visa or works more hours than their visa allows.

3. Visa fraud: You can report visa fraud like when someone provides false information or fraudulent documents to get a visa.

4. Marriage of convenience: A marriage of convenience, also known as a sham marriage, is a marriage entered into solely to get a visa.

This is illegal and you can report it to immigration authorities.

5. Breach of visa conditions: All visas come with specific conditions, like restrictions on work, study, or travel. If you find someone who violates the conditions of their visa, you can report the person to the immigration authorities.

6. Smuggling or assisting illegal immigration: If you know someone who is helping others enter Australia through unauthorized means or stay in the country illegally.

7. Involvement in criminal activities: If someone on a visa in Australia is involved in criminal activities, you can report this to immigration authorities.

8. False identity: If you find someone who used a false identity to enter or stay in Australia –  you can report the person to immigration.

9. Exploitation of migrant workers: If you know of a business that is exploiting migrant workers, like paying them below the legal minimum wage or forcing them to work excessive hours, you can report this to immigration authorities.

10. People trafficking: If you become aware of someone who’s involved in trafficking people into or within Australia, this is a crime that you should report immediately.

Why report someone to immigration in Australia?

Reporting these violations helps keep Australia’s immigration system fair and secure.

If you see any of these issues, reporting them will make a difference.

Do not forget that; you can do it anonymously to protect your identity.

From a personal standpoint, I understand how tough it can be to make this decision.

You’ll worry about the consequences or the effect this will have on the person’s life.

But it’s equally important to think about the broader implications of not reporting, especially if it involves serious breaches of the law.

If you encounter anyone violating any immigration rule in Australia, it’s your responsibility to report the person.

And, you don’t have to feel bad about it – you’re doing what’s right.

By reporting anonymously, you’ll keep your identity private while contributing to maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration system.