Australians who owe money to the federal government will be banned from leaving the country until they repay the funds in a move to claw back $800 million in debt.
Travels bans have been issued over the past decade to parents who did not make child support payments and in June were extended to former welfare recipients who have refused to repay the finance.
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan says 20 orders have been issued, with his department looking to ramp up efforts to recoup funds owed by more than 150,000 people who no longer receive welfare.
"If you received a payment you were not entitled to, you have an obligation to repay the money you owe and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure it is recovered," Mr Keenan said in a statement on Saturday.
He insists people currently receiving welfare or making repayments will not be targeted by the measure, but former recipients who refuse to pay back their debt would also be charged interest.
The rate of repayment will be measured against an individual's circumstances and those in hardship can defer their returns, Mr Keenan added.
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