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.
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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.
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“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.”
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.
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