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House of Parliament approves new amendment for a Character and General Visa Cancellation Bill

A unanimous vote was recently passed by both Houses of Parliament for new migration amendments allowing Visas to be cancelled on the grounds of character test provisions (Schedule 1) or general Visa cancellation powers (Schedule 2) under the current Migration Act.

The government explained the purpose behind this amendment was to ‘strengthen powers to refuse to grant, or to cancel, a visa on character grounds by inserting additional grounds on which a person will not pass the character test.’

Some of the specific examples that would fall under this bill include such instances as:

• Persons with substantial criminal records and history.
• If the Minister is not satisfied as to the Visa’s owner identity.
• Persons who have been deemed a direct or indirect risk to Australia through assessment by ASIO or interpol police.
• A government official was provided with incorrect information whilst making a decision to grant a Visa.
• A person who has been charged, convicted or the Minister ‘reasonably suspects’ has undertaken a criminal activity
• A person who has undertaken and been convicted of any crime against humanity, people trafficking or smuggling or committed child sex offences.

The bill will become valid when the Governor General has given Royal Assent. If you would like any clarification on this bill or any other Visa cancellation issues, please contact one of our experienced migration agents based in Brisbane, Australia.

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