FED:Bowen cracks down on asylum seeker rioters

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2011
FED:Bowen cracks down on asylum seeker rioters

MELBOURNE, April 26 AAP - Asylum seekers convicted over acts of violence and riots
at immigration detention centres would fail the government's character test and face probable
deportation under a proposed new law.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen will unveil the new law on Tuesday, following recent
riots at Villawood, Christmas Island and Broadmeadows which caused millions of dollars
of damage, News Ltd reports.

If the laws are passed by federal parliament, which resumes in a fortnight, they will
apply from Tuesday to any detainees convicted of a crime during those riots.

The changes would make it easier to send criminals back to their country of origin
or prevent them from applying for permanent protection visas.

"These changes send a clear message to anyone considering engaging in unacceptable
behaviour in immigration detention that this will only increase their chances of not being
granted a visa," Mr Bowen said.

"The government believes the powers under the Migration Act can be strengthened to
create a more significant disincentive for this sort of destructive behaviour.

"This will apply to all people in immigration detention: onshore and offshore arrivals,
asylum seekers, or otherwise."

Under the new law, a convicted criminal facing persecution in their home country would
most likely be granted a provisional visa and may be sent back once the threat against
them is over.

AAP bm/ht/

KEYWORD: DETAINEES BOWEN

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