Two Australians were wrongfully sent to immigration detention after their visas were cancelled, authorities have confirmed.
The two Australians, who were reportedly dual citizens born in New Zealand, were detained after failing the so-called character test having served time behind bars.
"Two individuals were detained after their visas were cancelled mandatorily under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958," a immigration department spokesperson said.
"After it was identified that each individual held dual Australian citizenship, arrangements were immediately made for their release from immigration detention."
Under section 501, the minister must cancel a non-citizen's visa if they are serving a full-time prison term of 12 months or more for an offence committed in Australia, or have been found guilty of a sex crime involving a child.
The department would not comment on the circumstances surrounding either of the cases. Nor would it say whether either person had received compensation, or if any staff were disciplined over the matter.
"The circumstances surrounding their detention have been reviewed and appropriate safeguards have been implemented," the spokesperson said.
