New Zealand criminals are entering Australia without background checks, causing concern for Australian authorities. Under a Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australian visitors complete an incoming passenger card to declare whether they have convictions, but some are lying on the form, and background checks are not being done. There is no system in place that allows Australian authorities to check the criminal records of foreign citizens. In the past year, more than 200 New Zealanders with criminal convictions were denied entry into Australia and deported after arriving. Almost 900 New Zealanders had their visas cancelled in the past year.
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