Latest news
For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see News archive.
Enquiries
Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries.
The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship.
If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the Immigration and citizenship website, and click the Ask a question button to get started.
Global Service Centre
If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm your local time.
International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.
Using an interpreter
When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.
Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:
- TIS website: Search | Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or
- Home Affairs website See: Family and friends helping with your application
Compliments, complaints and suggestions
Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at Compliments, complaints and suggestions.
Allegations related to suspicious border activities
If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime. You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the Border Watch Online Report.
Visa Scams
Don’t get caught in a visa scam.
Beware of scam agents who engage in immigration malpractice and exploit visa applicants for financial gain. These scam agents often pretend to be registered migration agents or run visa scams, including encouraging people to come and work in Australia illegally. These scams are often promoted on social media, and they may charge a lot of money. For further information on how to avoid being scammed and reporting channels, please see https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams/reporting
Media Release
17 November 2025
Australia joins global partners to combat visa fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week
The Australian Embassy in Lebanon, in partnership with international counterparts, is raising awareness of visa scams and fraudulent migration practices as part of International Fraud Awareness Week, 16–22 November 2025.
Visa fraud is a growing global issue, with criminals deceiving individuals through false visa guarantees, fake visa documents, and claims of being legitimate migration agents. These scams can result in significant financial loss, emotional distress, and long-term impacts on a person’s ability to travel.
At the 2025 Five Country Ministerial (FCM) held in September, Ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States affirmed their shared commitment to protect the integrity of migration and border systems.
As part of this commitment a coordinated 4 country international campaign — ‘Fighting Visa Fraud’ — aimed at protecting migrants and strengthening global border integrity is being launched this week. While the United States is unable to participate in this year’s launch, it remains supportive of the initiative.
The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign demonstrates the commitment of FCM partners to combat visa scams collaboratively and raise public awareness.
International Fraud Awareness Week is a global event encouraging governments, businesses, and community organisations to work together to reduce the impact of fraud through education and awareness.
Educating visa applicants
Aligned messages delivered by participating countries will:
- Educate visa applicants about the risks and tactics used by fraudulent facilitators;
- Reduce the global scale and impact of visa fraud; and
- Encourage safe practices when engaging with visa and migration services.
The campaign will continue into 2026, particularly during peak visa application periods, with tailored messages developed to address local challenges and encourage behaviour change.
Stay informed and stay safe
It’s extremely likely that scam agents are operating in your community, pretending to be legitimate migration professionals and providing illegal migration advice.
While we continue to target these criminals, we need your help to spread awareness within your community about the dangers of engaging with scam agents. We encourage you to share the following advice with your networks.
Visa applicants are encouraged to visit homeaffairs.gov.au/visascams to learn how to recognise and report visa scams. And remember that the Australian Government never requests payments through social media or unofficial websites.
Contacting the processing office
If you have read this information and still need more information or help, you can contact the visa office at Beirut embassy here: Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.