Australia will adopt stricter rules for refusing or cancelling visas on character grounds from October 31, 2026, placing greater emphasis on community safety, hate-related conduct and domestic violence while giving less weight to a person’s ties to the country.
The updated framework will also place greater emphasis on compliance with migration laws and the protection of victims and children. The changes will affect how Australian immigration authorities assess cases involving non-citizens whose conduct raises concerns about their eligibility to enter or remain in the country.
The changes will also expand the focus on domestic and family violence, with greater attention to the nature of the behavior and its consequences for victims and children. Decision-makers will be directed to consider the risks posed by such conduct and the interests of children affected by a visa decision. The revised approach is intended to give greater importance to community protection and the safety of people who experience violence.
Decision-makers will give greater weight to protecting the Australian community and less consideration to the impact of visa refusals or cancellations on individuals, their connections to Australia and local businesses, according to a report by Fragomen.
