Influencer Deported Over Visa Breach

British social media personality 'Big John' Fisher was deported from Australia on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after immigration authorities determined he was travelling on an incorrect visa for his scheduled professional appearances. Fisher, known for his fast-food reviews and large online following, had planned four appearances across Australia, including at Perth's Ascot Racecourse and Sydney's Wentworth Park greyhound track.

Australian Border Force officers detained Fisher for four hours upon his arrival in Perth on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. It is understood that Fisher was travelling on a tourist visa despite his intention to engage in professional activities. Australia's Migration Act and its regulations mandate that all visitors must satisfy specific requirements, which include holding the appropriate visa for their intended activities.

The 'So What?' for Kenyan Content Creators

This incident serves as a crucial reminder for Kenyan social media influencers and content creators seeking international opportunities. Just as Australia has stringent visa regulations, Kenya has also established clear guidelines for foreign nationals wishing to work or conduct business within its borders. Engaging in professional activities on a tourist visa, whether entering or leaving Kenya, can lead to deportation and future travel restrictions.

Legal Frameworks for Foreign Workers in Kenya

Kenya's immigration laws, particularly the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, make it unlawful for non-citizens to be present or engage in employment, occupation, trade, business, or profession without a valid work permit, residence permit, or pass. Employers are also prohibited from hiring foreign nationals who lack proper authorisation.

In a move to attract global talent, Kenya introduced new classes of work permits in late 2024 and early 2025, including the Class N – Digital Nomad Permit. This permit is specifically designed for remote workers employed by companies outside Kenya, freelancers providing remote services to foreign clients, or individuals conducting business on behalf of a foreign company. To qualify for a Class N permit, applicants need a valid passport, proof of remote work, proof of accommodation in Kenya, a clean criminal record, and a guaranteed annual income of at least USD 24,000 from sources outside Kenya.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Local Concerns

The issue of foreign artistes and professionals operating in Kenya on inappropriate visas has been a point of contention among local stakeholders. In November 2022, Kenyan comedians and musicians advocated for a regulatory body, the Creative Economy Council of Kenya, to ensure foreign artistes pay fees and taxes when performing in the country. They argued that many foreign artistes enter Kenya on tourist visas, avoiding tax obligations and undermining local talent.

Evidence and Data

• Australian Visa Requirements: The Australian Migration Act 1958 governs visa requirements for all non-citizens entering the country.
• Kenyan Class N Digital Nomad Permit: Introduced in late 2024, this permit allows remote workers to reside and work in Kenya for up to two years.
• Minimum Income for Class N Permit: Applicants for Kenya's Class N permit are expected to demonstrate an annual income of at least USD 24,000 from non-Kenyan sources.
• Fees for Class N Permit: The processing fee is USD 200 (non-refundable), and the issuance fee is USD 1,000 per year.

Risks and Implications

The deportation of 'Big John' Fisher underscores the significant risks associated with visa non-compliance. Individuals found in breach of immigration laws face immediate deportation, potential bans from re-entering the country, and damage to their professional reputation. For host countries, such as Kenya, ensuring compliance helps protect local labour markets and ensures fair taxation.

What to Watch

As the global creative economy expands, immigration departments worldwide are likely to increase scrutiny on how social media influencers and other digital professionals enter and operate within their borders. Kenyan content creators planning international engagements should thoroughly research and secure the correct visa category to avoid similar predicaments. Similarly, foreign influencers eyeing Kenya as a destination for work or remote living must adhere to the country's updated immigration regulations, particularly regarding the Class N Digital Nomad Permit.