The Coalition Government has acted decisively to protect the Australian community from foreign criminals, murderers, paedophiles and rapists by cancelling or refusing 10,000 visas on character grounds since 2014.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government had zero tolerance for non-citizens who endanger Australians or engage in criminal activity.
“Coming to Australia and staying here is a privilege. There’s no place in Australia for anyone who would abuse our laws or harm our community,” Minister Andrews said.
“Since 2014, the Coalition Government has cancelled almost 7,000 visas and refused more than 3,000 – denying every one of these individuals the opportunity to do Australians harm.”
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said it was imperative that non-citizens wanting to visit or live in Australia align with our identity, security, health and character requirements.
“The Morrison Government takes very seriously the protection of Australians from violent and sexual non-citizen offenders. Dangerous and criminal non-citizens do not deserve an Australian visa. That’s why the Coalition has acted to cancel or refuse 10,000 visas since 2014,” Minister Hawke said.
“Non-citizens who do not comply with visa conditions, or who may pose a risk to the health and safety of the Australian community, are liable for visa cancellation.”
“Last week the Labor Party voted against new laws to remove more foreign criminals from Australia. Anthony Albanese needs to explain this decision to the Australian people,” Minister Hawke said.
A person may not pass the character test for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, that they have a substantial criminal record, or are suspected of associating with, or being a member of, a group involved in criminal conduct.
Additional information on character requirements and cancellations is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.