Candace Owens denied entry to New Zealand after Australia ban

In late October 2024, the United States conservative political commentator Candace Owens was barred from entering New Zealand after she was previously denied a visa to enter Australia. Immigration officials in New Zealand explained that visas cannot be granted to individuals who have been excluded from another country. Australia's Immigration Minister Tony Burke highlighted Owens' capacity to incite discord as the rationale for her visa rejection, referencing her controversial remarks, including those about the Holocaust and various social issues. Despite the bans, Owens announced speaking engagements scheduled for February and March in Australia and New Zealand. Her promoters have not acknowledged the visa challenges on their platforms, further complicating the situation surrounding her upcoming tour. Owens has gained notoriety for her provocative positions on several political topics and has been accused of antisemitism and conspiracy promotion, which led to public outcry from various advocacy groups, particularly those representing Jewish communities. The fallout from these events indicates the growing scrutiny individuals face regarding their public statements, particularly when engaging in international speaking endeavors. The decisions made by immigration authorities in both countries reflect a broader societal concern about the influence of polarizing figures and the implications of their rhetoric.