Australia cancels visa of 'Israeli' influencer who previously called for Islam to be banned

• Australia cancels visa of influencer who called for Islam to be banned, citing hate speech concerns.

Australia has cancelled the visa of British‑'Israeli' social media influencer Sammy Yahood, who had been invited to speak at events in the country, after controversial online comments calling for Islam to be banned and describing the religion in hostile terms.

The decision was announced just hours before his scheduled flight to Australia.

Visa revoked shortly before departure

Yahood, known for his outspoken commentary online, including posts labelling Islam a “murderous ideology,” had planned to conduct self‑defence workshops and promote his “peace through strength” campaign at events organised by local groups.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said the government would not allow entry to people whose purpose was to spread hatred, stating broadly that “spreading hatred is not a good reason to come” to Australia. The cancellation reportedly happened about three hours before Yahood was due to fly to the country.

Influencer criticises the decision

In response, Yahood took to social media from Abu Dhabi, where he had flown after leaving 'Israel', calling the visa cancellation an act of “tyranny” and “censorship” by the Albanese government. He accused officials of overreach and said he intended to challenge the decision.

Community groups react

The right‑leaning Australian Jewish Association (AJA) criticised the cancellation, calling it a last‑minute interference and arguing that Yahood’s visit was meant to support and empower Jewish communities. They said the timing of the decision was “strongly condemned” and expressed concern about future travel by Jewish speakers amid debates over the government’s visa policies.

Policy context and broader visa powers

The visa refusal comes under broader powers granted to Australia’s Home Affairs Minister earlier this year to deny entry to individuals whose conduct or rhetoric is seen as promoting hate or extremist views, a policy thrust that has already been used in several high‑profile cases involving controversial figures.