31 New Zealand citizens removed from Australia

Australian Border Force (ABF) has removed 31 New Zealand citizens from Australia on two charter flights.

The thirty men and one woman had been convicted of a range of serious criminal activities including domestic violence, grooming of minors, sex offences, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, stalking, kidnapping and drug offences.

The majority of those removed had their visas cancelled under s501 of the Migration Act 1958.

Acting ABF Commander Field Operations, Sally McAuliffe, said the ABF’s continued work to remove non-citizens who pose a threat to the Australian community is highlighted by the removal of these people to New Zealand this week.

“Any non-citizens who have been convicted of serious crimes and are found not to meet character requirements and whose visas are subsequently cancelled, are not entitled to remain in Australia. Despite the reduction in international travel due COVID-19, the ABF continues to remove unlawful non-citizens from Australia.” Acting Commander McAuliffe said.

There are provisions under the Migration Act 1958 that allow the Minister for Home Affairs to cancel a visa if a person is considered to not be of good character. A person can fail the character test for a number of reasons, including but not limited to circumstances where a non-citizen has a substantial criminal record.