Australia warns foreign nationals to be on best behaviour

The Australian Government has sent a reminder that foreign nationals who don’t abide by the country’s laws could have their visas revoked.

More than 1,000 foreign nationals who committed serious crimes in Australia were stripped of their visas in 2016 under the strengthened provisions of section 501 of the Migration Act.

They included those convicted of murder, manslaughter, sexual offences against children, violent crimes such as assault and grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, serious drug offences, kidnapping, people smuggling and for involvement in organised crime.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the Turnbull Government was determined to do all it could to protect the Australian community.

“Foreign nationals who think they can flout our laws, harm our citizens or commit terrible crimes should get a clear message,” Mr Dutton said. “Your ability to remain in Australia will be removed; we will cancel your visa and get rid of you from our country.”

Mr Dutton said Australia welcomed millions of visitors on short and long term visas each year and the overwhelming majority abided by the law and enjoyed holidaying or residing in Australia and being part of the Australian community.

“Unfortunately, there is a small minority who involve themselves in criminal acts,” he added. “We strengthened section 501 of the Migration Act in 2014 to deal with these serious lawbreakers and since then have cancelled the visas of more than 2,000 non-citizens, this includes 138 members of criminal bike gangs.”

In 2016 there were 359 visa cancellations in New South Wales, 301 in Queensland, 173 in Victoria, 168 in Western Australia, 41 in South Australia, seven in the Northern Territory, four in the Australian Capital Territory and three in Tasmania.

Article published 9th February 2017