The subject has already been discussed on how long it takes from the time you step off the plane in Cambodia till the moment you are on the sidewalk catching a bus or tuk-tuk. I know the times I have done it is usually about 12 to 15 minuets.

Now compare that to the time it takes to do the same in Australia. Every time I land and that is usually twice a year, Border Force always pull me out of the line and do the big inspection thing of my small backpack which contains a spare shirt and underpants , usually not much more. They go through every detail written in my notebook asking who is this, what is this and why. Today was no different , 300 plus passengers and they targeted only me, and kept me held up for 4 hours. . Why ? Why ? Why ? I have NO criminal record , no debts and not even a parking ticket. I dress respectably, no tats and certainly dont look like a terrorist or even a backpacker. One time I even traveled with no carry on bag and they kept me waiting for 4 hours incase someone else was carrying my baggage.
This time I took my phone with me and they wanted the pin to unlock it and do a search on it warning me that I would be fined $3000 if I refused. They had it for a hour or more and downloaded everything on to a computer before returning it. There is nothing suspicious or bad on my phone so there is probably nothing to worry about you might say, but I feel as if my life has been violated . Every photo, message, emails, passwords , google map showing where I went and on what day etc is now on a government computer that can probable be accessed by hundreds of government departments.

As I said before, I feel as if my life has been violated, in fact so bad I had a bit of a mental breakdown and I think its getting closer to the day when I will be burning the bridges to Australia and not going back.

Is there something that exists like when questioning credit scores - so a person can ask and have answered the question of why?
Have they been given a tip off? Are you unknowingly a close associate of someone correctly on their radar?

Tootsfriend wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:28 pm As I said before, I feel as if my life has been violated, in fact so bad I had a bit of a mental breakdown and I think its getting closer to the day when I will be burning the bridges to Australia and not going back.

Wow that's some bullshit hey. So sorry you had to go through that, it's just ridiculous.

What a strange event but I also got pulled aside for a random customs check first time in years, went through my bags nothing to see , so on my way, did you complain alot?. I just smiled talked shit about them having to do thier job all was sweet.
I'd traveled from Bangkok.
Oh and don't worry that's just the beginning of what you'll hate about good old Australia

I think that checking phone and notebook is too much unless there is a good reason to do so (if found with drugs or other any other heavy offence). Downloading stuff is an aboslute NO-GO.

Username Taken wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:35 pm Obviously, you fit their profile.

I think the profile means 'traveling alone'.

The only time I've ever been randomly searched was on arrival at Sydney and, like you I was wondering why me. I was reasonably dressed for once, am clean cut, not covered in tatts, I don't think I look like a crim. And that's probably why they pulled me out. Presumably, if you have a suitcase full of meth or whatever you'd try to look respectable and not like a drug addict.

I feel like the reason this shit keeps happening (you're far from the first I've heard this kind of story from) is because countries like Australia are too fucking cocky now. Like they know they can get away with stuff like this and people will keep coming back for more.

I'm not trying to rub salt in the wound or anything, I'm just saying that I had a bit of a similar experience (twice) in the U.S. (as a Canadian) and several ridiculous experiences from my "homeland" and I took it (amongst other things) as a sign that Asia was calling my name for a permanent move.

Since then, my life has felt a lot more at peace being here. Yeah some nasty shit happened here too, but being here always brought that peace within that I couldn't find elsewhere. Just sharing my personal view and take, obviously not for everyone.

But my view is to always vote with your feet and your money, because that's all anyone ever listens to in the end. Fuck all that other shit, nothing ever gets done in court or formal complaints.