Australian Immigration investigates allegations of possible visa fraud [1]
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 - 17:10. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Canberra is currently investigating if any of the alleged Tonga Police records that were "cleared" in the past for Tongan citizens, have been put to the department in support of visa applications.
In a statement to Matangi Tonga today, the department said they had received information regarding the integrity of at least 172 Tongan police clearances, which did not accurately reflect the individuals' criminal history.
"This is in line with information being investigated by New Zealand authorities in relation to travel to that country.
"We are currently investigating if any of these clearances have been presented to the department in support of visa applications. We will continue to investigate the affected clearances and will not rule out visa cancellations where a visa holder is found to have failed the character test or to have sought to fraudulently obtain entry into Australia," they stated.
"A person will fail the character test if they have a substantial criminal record which is considered if a person has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for 12 months or more.
"All non-citizens who wish to enter or remain in Australia must satisfy the requirements of the Migration Act and Regulations, including the character test.
"The department takes very seriously the government's role in protecting the Australian community from unacceptable risk of harm from criminal or other serious conduct by non-citizens," the department stated.
The Tonga Police Commissioner has offered assistance to both the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions in Nuku'alofa to investigate this alleged fraudulent activity.