When John Fisher, better known online as “Big John Fisher,” landed at Perth Airport on Tuesday, he thought he was about to start a series of paid meet‑and‑greets that would keep his 680,000 Instagram followers glued to his next bite of Chinese takeaway. Instead, a four‑hour interrogation by Australian Border Force left him with a one‑way ticket home, a birthday that felt more like a farewell, and a social media post that read, “My visa was legal coming in, but they are not happy with what I am doing here, so they are sending me home.”
Background: Who Is Big John Fisher?
The British content creator hails from Liverpool, England, and built his brand between 2020 and 2023 by filming high‑energy reviews of take‑away meals, especially the greasy‑sweet fare of Chinese fast‑food joints. His signature shout‑out, “Bosh!”, has been stitched into more than 500 Instagram videos, turning a simple joke into a meme that even his 26‑year‑old son, professional boxer Johnny Fisher, has begun to reference. By the time he booked the Australian leg of his tour, Fisher’s follower count sat at roughly 680,000, and his calendar was peppered with gigs in nightclubs, restaurant openings, and fan‑only parties.
The Detention at Perth Airport
Fisher’s arrival in the suburb of Redcliffe, Western Australia, was supposed to be a quick checkpoint before heading to the city’s bustling food precincts. Instead, officers from Australian Border Force escorted him to a holding area where he was questioned for almost four hours. The officials, who operate under the Department of Home Affairs—Department of Home Affairs—stated that his visa subclass did not match the promotional work he had booked with Live Nation Entertainment, the promoter behind the Perth and Sydney events.
“We cannot comment on individual passengers because of privacy obligations,” an Australian Border Force spokesperson told the Irish Examiner. That line, while standard, left fans scrambling for answers. The next morning, Fisher posted a video from inside the detention centre, smiling despite the circumstances, and reminding his audience that “even though I am under lock and key, it’s my birthday, I’m still smiling, and I still love Australia.”
Visa Rules That Triggered the Deportation
Under Australia’s Migration Act 1958, specifically Section 65, a tourist subclass 600 visa expressly forbids any form of paid promotional work. Fisher’s itinerary, which included paid meet‑and‑greet sessions priced between AU$25 and AU$50, fell squarely into the prohibited category. The law says a breach can lead to immediate removal under Section 116, a clause that was invoked in the 2022 case of American influencer Hannah Goodyear.
Statistics from the Home Affairs annual report show that 1,842 people were deported for visa violations in the 2022‑2023 fiscal year—an average of five people per day. While most of those cases involve irregular work or overstayed visas, Fisher’s high‑profile status made his situation a textbook example of the rule’s enforcement.
Reactions from Family, Fans, and Promoters
Johnny Fisher took to his own Instagram story with a tongue‑in‑cheek comment: “The Aussies have detained Big John and are sending him home—rumour has it they are frightened of his express‑pace bowling ahead of the Ashes.” The reference to the Ashes cricket series, scheduled for December 2023–January 2024, was purely a joke; neither John nor his son has any background in cricket.
Fans who had bought tickets for the Perth and Sydney events—roughly 1,200 people in total—were left in limbo. Live Nation issued a brief statement saying the shows were cancelled “due to unforeseen immigration issues” and promised refunds, though the exact financial impact on the promoter was not disclosed.
Industry observers noted that the incident could send a ripple through the influencer‑tour market. “Brands and event organisers need to double‑check visa subclasses now,” said immigration lawyer Emma Clarke of the firm Clarke & Partners. “A tourist visa won’t cover any paid activity, even if it’s just a meet‑and‑greet.”
What This Means for Influencer Travel
Fisher’s deportation underscores a growing tension between fast‑moving digital creators and the slow, bureaucratic machinery of immigration law. With the global influencer market projected to surpass $15 billion this year, more creators are eyeing overseas gigs. Yet, the Australian case shows that a misstep can cost not only a flight but also a brand’s credibility.
For fans, the loss is tangible: a night of live interaction, a chance to snap photos with a favourite creator, and the buzz that comes from a viral moment. For promoters, it’s a logistical headache and a potential hit to future bookings. And for the influencers themselves, it’s a reminder that the same platform that builds an audience can also expose a legal blind spot.
- Key facts:
- John Fisher has 680,000 Instagram followers.
- He was detained at Perth Airport on Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025.
- Deportation flight: Qantas QF790, 6:30 PM AWST, 15 Oct 2025.
- Australian Border Force reported 1,842 visa‑related deportations in 2022‑23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Big John Fisher deported from Australia?
Fisher arrived on a tourist subclass 600 visa, which does not allow any paid promotional work. His scheduled meet‑and‑greet events with Live Nation were classified as paid activities, breaching Section 65 of the Migration Act 1958, which triggered immediate removal under Section 116.
What impact did the deportation have on fans and ticket holders?
Around 1,200 fans who purchased tickets for the Perth and Sydney shows were left without the promised events. Live Nation announced refunds but did not disclose the total monetary loss, leaving many disappointed and questioning future influencer‑led events in Australia.
Is this the first time an influencer has been deported from Australia?
It isn’t the first case. In 2022, American social media star Hannah Goodyear was removed for conducting paid brand promotions while on a tourist visa. Fisher’s case highlights that the issue is recurring as digital creators travel for work.
What should influencers do to avoid similar issues?
Experts advise securing the correct visa subclass—typically a Business or Temporary Activity visa—for any paid engagements. Influencers should also consult immigration lawyers before signing overseas contracts, especially in countries with strict visa enforcement like Australia.
Will John Fisher be allowed to return to Australia in the future?
The Irish Examiner reported no indication of future travel plans. If Fisher applies for a new visa, he will need to demonstrate compliance with Australian immigration law, and a prior deportation may affect his eligibility.