Aussie crackdown on violent gangs scoops up some Samoans and New Zealanders
Melbourne, AUSTRALIA — Victoria has cancelled the visas of 20 gang members over the past three years in a crackdown on youth violence.
Nineteen more visas are 'under active cancellation consideration', The Australian reported.
Those who have had their visas cancelled include people with convictions for drug trafficking, assaults or armed robberies.
Others had convictions for kidnapping, police assault, weapons offences and sexual assault.
Within the group of 39 visas were people of Sudanese, New Zealander or Samoan descent - others were deemed 'stateless'.
Last September it was revealed Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton had ordered monthly reports of 'non-citizens linked to Victorian youth gangs'.
The reports came amid strong criticism of State Government and its youth gang crisis.
In total, 81 people have been referred to the Department of Home Affairs since April 2016.
According to the reports, the department is also 'reviewing cancellation processes in relation to minors, in discussion with legal division and child wellbeing branch.'
The report also notes that 42 people whose visas are no longer 'under active cancellation consideration' have been flagged on the internal systems.
'Should any of the individuals apply for another visa or citizenship, the processing area is advised to seek penal checks and contact the ‘character and cancellation branch’ prior to any grant/approval,' the department said.