Sukhdeep Singh’s Indiana driving history shows five citations since 2022, including speeding and insurance violations, raising questions about how he obtained his commercial licence.

Pauline Hanson contrasted the trade numbers with thousands of visas granted to accountants, software engineers and chefs, arguing they do not directly ease housing shortages.

Services Australia officials confirmed that the men remain subject to bail conditions but are free to live in the community.

WhatsApp messages allegedly linked the drivers to Shivam, showing coordination of multiple smuggling trips, including instructions to safe houses and “proof of life” photos.

“Trying to exploit Australia’s Protection visa system is a BIG FAIL, especially if you apply using false or misleading information”

The plan also included elevating the Australian Values Statement — currently signed by temporary and permanent visa applicants — into a binding visa condition.

Since October 2024 and early February this year, about $5.7 million has been retained from more than 71,000 unsuccessful applicants.

Around 400,000 Indian visitors travelled to Australia in both 2024 and 2025, highlighting the resilience of the market and its growing contribution to the national visitor economy.

British Columbia Premier David Eby questioned how such individuals could be allowed to pursue asylum claims based on fears of returning to India, while their alleged criminal activities continued to affect residents in Canada.

Lodging an appeal allows applicants to remain in Australia while their case is under review — sometimes for years — even when their claims ultimately fail.