Nearly 200 Character-Based Visa Cancellations Overturned by Tribunal: Inquiry

Nearly 200 Character-Based Visa Cancellations Overturned by Tribunal: Inquiry The Department of Home Affairs lost 196 visa cancellation cases on character grounds before the Administrative Review Tribunal in the current financial year up to March 31. In contrast, the department won 264 similar matters during the same period. These figures were revealed during a Senate estimates hearing in response to concerns about migrants, some with serious criminal convictions, successfully overturning visa cancellations.

• Nearly 200 migrants have won the right to remain in Australia after their visas were targeted for cancellation.
• The Department of Home Affairs lost 196 visa cancellation cases on character grounds before the Administrative Review Tribunal between July 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
• In the same period, the department won 264 similar matters.
• In the 2024-25 financial year, the department recorded 247 wins and 128 losses before the tribunal.
• Concerns were raised by the Shadow Home Affairs Minister regarding media reports of at least 73 migrants overturning visa cancellations.