Plans to tighten character test put tens of thousands of migrants at risk of deportation

Tens of thousands of migrants could have their visa cancelled under proposed laws to tighten the character test.

Migrants who have committed crimes with a maximum sentence of at least two years jail will automatically fail the character test. Source: AAP

A government proposal to tighten the character test will make it easier to deport tens of thousands of migrants, including New Zealanders who have been living in Australia long term. 

Under the planned changes, visa-holders who have committed a crime that carries a maximum sentence of at least two years, such as common assault, will automatically fail the character test, even if they are not sentenced to jail.

The legislation, introduced by Immigration Minister David Coleman last month, is a further strengthening of the test which was changed in 2014 to allow the government to deport non-citizens sentenced to at least 12 months jail for their crime.

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