An Irishman who was arrested by armed police in Perth last week after his working visa was cancelled has appealed to be released from detention.

Bernard Lee from Greystones, Co Wicklow, has been living and working legally in Western Australia for the last seven years.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody on Monday after allegedly being sent a letter refusing his application for a resident’s visa and cancelling his current business visa.

Mr Lee, who claims he never received the notice, was arrested at the home he shares with his Australian girlfriend for failing to leave the country within 20 days.

He is currently being held at the Yongah Hill detention centre, on the outskirts of Perth.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, which runs the facility, has insisted that due process was followed in the case.

"This person’s visa was cancelled because he was found not to be of good character. He was issued with a notice of consideration to refuse his visa application, to which he responded," a spokesperson said.

"The Department was not satisfied his reasons met the threshold and that he continued to pose an unacceptable risk to the community so it refused that application. His other visa was then cancelled by operation of law.

"This individual has subsequently been detained while arrangements are made for his removal as soon as practicable."

Incarcerated

Mr Lee, who has a number of past convictions in the country, including for drink driving, told Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show that his lawyer is hopeful they can successfully appeal his detention.

His family, however, has been advised that such an appeal could take several months.

“There’s no real structured routine,” he said of life in the Yongah Hill detention centre.

“You get up in the morning. You can go and walk around, go to a few English classes. You don't have to do anything ...

“They take your phone off you but you’re allowed to bring one in with no camera or recording device.”

Mr Lee said his family and lawyer are eager to use media coverage to draw attention to his case.

“We’re hoping that if we keeping making noise, someone will listen.”

A petition calling on the Australian government and immigration authorities to release him from detention has been signed by over 3,000 people. 

Listen to the full interview here: