Australia's immigration policies remain unchanged despite a "hoax" news reports saying new visa-free arrangements will come into force in January 2017, Australia's immigration department said Wednesday.
The hoax stories said countries including Pakistan, the Philippines, Oman and Fiji have signed deals with Australia establishing new immigration arrangements including new visa-free travel arrangements beginning in January 2017.
"These stories are false and Australia maintains a universal non-discriminatory visa regime," the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection said in a statement on Wednesday.
"There has been no change to Australia's approach."
All non-citizen travellers seeking entry to Australia require a valid visa before departing.
