Refugee advocates say the government’s plans to deport more foreign criminals could see refugees expelled to countries where they face persecution or serious harm.
The government has re-introduced legislation to make it easier to deport or block entry to non-citizens who have committed a crime that carries a maximum sentence of at least two years, even if no jail time is imposed.
Under the current rules, which were strengthened in 2014, a visa holder has to be sentenced to at least 12 months in jail before their visa is cancelled.
In a submission to the Senate inquiry examining the proposed laws, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre calls on Parliament to reject the changes which it says provide no exemption for people owed protection.
“The effect of the bill will also be greater numbers of people facing indefinite detention, or at risk of being returned to persecution or other serious harm in breach of international legal obligations.”
Minister for Immigration David Coleman proposing to further tighten the rules on chraracter grounds Source: AAP
Visa holders who commit one of the crimes covered by the legislation will automatically fail the character test, but it will be up to the minister to decide whether to deport them.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre said measures designed to mitigate the risk were inadequate, calling for greater protection.
Thousands deported
Refugee advocates join a host of migration and legal experts raising concerns about the legislation.
However, Immigration Minister David Coleman is showing no signs of backing down, arguing visa holders who “disrespect our hospitality” do not deserve to remain in Australia.
“It means that we will be able to stop more foreign criminals from entering Australia and it also means that we’ll be able to kick out more foreign criminals from Australia,” Mr Coleman told reporters on Wednesday.
Mr Coleman boasted that the government’s harsh policies had led to 4700 foreign criminals having their visa cancelled in the last six years, seven times the amount Labor kicked out in the previous six years.
He said the laws will apply to violent assaults, domestic violence perpetrators and firearm offences.
The legislation also captures those convicted of common assault which rarely results in a term of imprisonment being imposed.
As New Zealanders make up the largest cohort of non-citizens in Australia, they are expected to feel the brunt of the changes.
Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern discussed deportations of New Zealanders during a visit last month. Source: AAP
Mr Coleman dismissed concerns the move would damage our relationship with New Zealand which has repeatedly described the 2014 changes as “corrosive”.
“These laws will apply across the board, regardless of what country people are from. Whether you’re from the UK, whether you’re from Sweden, whether you’re from New Zealand or wherever, what matters is the person has committed a crime, not where they come from," he said.
