Australia to refuse visas for domestic violence offenders
03 March 2019
On Thursday 28 February 2019 Australian Immigration Minister David Coleman issued a new directive barring anyone with a domestic violence conviction from entering Australia.
“The message is clear: if you've been convicted of a violent crime against women or children, you are not welcome in this country,” Mr Coleman said. “Wherever the offence occurred, whatever the sentence, Australia will have no tolerance for domestic violence perpetrators.”
The new Directive applies to decision-makers within the Department of Home Affairs who are considering the cancellation or refusal of a visa under s501 of the Migration Act 1958, or who are considering the revocation of a mandatory cancellation of a visa under s501CA.
Character Test
Currently non-citizens who fail the character test, or who have been sentenced to at least 12 months, can have their visa cancelled or be denied entry to Australia.
Travelling to Australia
If you are a New Zealand citizen with criminal convictions, no matter how long ago your convictions were, or whether they have been removed from government records, you are required to obtain written confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs before travelling to Australia.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence and seeking help can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 13 11 14.
Related
Information for people arrested or detained in Australia