Foreign governments can use many different ways to convince individuals in Australia that they have no choice but to travel to their country of origin. This is called coerced repatriation. It can look like:
- travel bans on individuals, or their family and associates
- freezing of financial assets
- pressuring family and associates to encourage an individual to return to their country of origin.
They may also threaten to bring you back to your country of origin to charge you with a crime. This is known as extradition.
If you are threatened with extradition
The Australian Government recognises that some foreign governments abuse international law enforcement requests. While the Australian Government has existing relationships with foreign governments, every extradition case is thoroughly investigated to make sure that residents and citizens of Australia are protected from political persecution.
If you have been contacted by authorities from a foreign government and threatened with extradition, contact the Police on 131 444 to make sure your right to live in Australia free of harassment is protected.
If you are subject to a legitimate arrest warrant or are charged with criminal offences overseas, the Australian Government uses official and internationally recognised extradition channels. Foreign government authorities do not have a role in contacting or arresting persons within Australia as part of the extradition process.
In some instances, foreign governments and their agents may attempt to force individuals to depart Australia against their will. This is unacceptable in Australia.
If you or someone you know is at risk of being forcibly taken out of Australia, contact the Police on 131 444 or in an emergency call 000(Opens in a new tab/window).