The federal government is acting to quickly deport foreign-born criminals convicted of violent or serious sexual offences.

The coalition plans to introduce legislation to parliament to close a loophole in migration character test laws. The proposed amendment will allow the government to refuse or cancel the visas of non-citizens who've been convicted and sentenced to at least two years' jail for serious offences, have served less than 12 months and are deemed a risk to the community. Federal Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has told the Seven Network the government needs more power to deport more people.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Source: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas