Australian Immigration Character Test 'Unfair'

All non-citizens looking to visit or immigrate to Australia need to meet certain character requirements, however many are calling for a system change ultimately labelling it unfair.

In the past four years 250 visas have been cancelled because of people not meeting the character test needs and already 68 refusals of occurred this year. Although in the grander scheme thousands enter Australia each month, the government have still been urged to amend the strict and unclear character checks.

The Australian Institute, an independent think tank, has led this character test criticism, "The criteria for what makes a non-citizen considered to be of bad character is too wide, too fuzzy and is not compliant with international human rights standards," it has said.

Although the institute agree that such a system needs to be in place, they argue that the current scheme needs to be amended and made more lenient.

Those with a criminal past or criminal association, as well as those that may pose a significant risk to the community automatically fail the character test. These are clearly serious issues and it is likely that most countries would refuse such applications.

However if a person evades debts or have avoided paying bills then the character test is also deemed unsuccessful. Minor breaches of past visas are also noted as an example of 'poor character.' Therefore serious issues are intermingled with the rather minor when it comes to the character test.

The fact of the matter is that it is essentially someone else's judgment of your character that could define if you enter Australia or not. The often subjective nature of the decision is what has caused the test to be labelled controversial.

Despite the severe rules when it comes to character assessment, a failed character test does not mean you will be refused outright. There are officials who decide whether to refuse an immigration application or cancel a visa and the test can be appealed in some cases. But if you are refused a visa or permit you are not permitted to enter Australia, even on a later date.

Australia is a popular destination, particularly when it comes to immigration. However because of harsh laws relating to the character test entrance down under can be difficult. Is it because of this that urgent calls to amend the system have come to the fore.

Source: Global Visas - 10/06/2008 by Liam Clifford