Australia revokes SA man’s visa over alleged neo-Nazi ties

November 18, 2025 4

Australian lawmakers have defended the federal government’s decision to revoke the visa of a South African civil engineer who was seen attending a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales state parliament in Sydney.

Matthew Gruter, who has lived in Australia for three years, was among those who took part in an anti-Jewish protest earlier this month organised by the National Socialist Network. Members of the group, dressed in black, carried placards and chanted slogans linked to the Hitler Youth.

Gruter was detained at an immigration centre yesterday, after Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, announced on Monday that his visa had been cancelled.

“If you are on a visa, you are a guest (…) if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it’s time to go home,: said Minister Burke.

Reports circulating on social media suggest that the civil engineer plans to challenge his deportation.

Joel Davis’s full interview with 9News today about the deportation of National Socialist Network activist Matthew Gruter over the group’s Jewish lobby protest in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/O5qnPpMTxR

— The Noticer (@NoticerNews) November 18, 2025

Australia last year banned the Nazi salute, making it an offence punishable by a mandatory prison term.

Lawmakers say Australia has no place for individuals who sow division.

@9news

“Freedom of speech does not extend to being divisive and hateful about people in our community.” #9News

♬ original sound – 9News Australia – 9News Australia

Social media reaction has been mixed, with some users supporting the government’s firm stance, while others have criticised the decision.

@biancasays3

#southafrica #suidafrika #usa🇺🇸 #news #fyp

♬ original sound – BiancaSays3

@blondejeff

The immigration minister has cancelled the NSN member’s visa and ordered their deportation to South Africa.

♬ original sound – Jeff kissubi

This is the …. that we have to put up with every single day as South Africans – racist at work, on the streets, in the media, on social media, spewing hatred, spreading misinformation, dehumanizing non-whites.

Send the rabid dog to Trump’s America, we don’t want him… https://t.co/frrVoKvlCh

— Rahul SA 🇿🇦 (@Rahul_AJ_1990) November 17, 2025