Exit trafficking is a criminal offence in Australia — but many people have never heard of it. Here is what the law says.

Under section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code Act 1995, it is illegal to use coercion, threats or deception to make someone leave Australia, or plan their exit.

Offenders face up to 12 years in prison. Taking a victim’s passport, cancelling their visa while they are overseas, or cutting off their money can all form part of the offence.

The crime often appears in dowry-abuse cases: a spouse is tricked or pressured into returning to their home country, then abandoned there with their visa cancelled.

In May 2026, ACT Policing charged a 35-year-old man with exit trafficking. He allegedly took his wife to India, failed to return, cancelled her visa and blocked her number.

Victim-survivors often do not know the conduct is a crime or that they can be helped to return to Australia legally.

Anyone at risk can call the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or contact the Australian Red Cross trafficking support programme.