The Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) applauds Australian Immigration Minister David Coleman’s stance on deporting
immigrants convicted of domestic violence crimes
“Domestic violence in New Zealand is a major problem and not enough is being done to combat it. If NZ adopted a policy
similar to Australia, it would save many victims of domestic violence from further harm and would save the NZ tax payer
millions of dollars in legal costs.”
Australia introduced a new policy where officials will now be able to cancel the visas of those who have been found
guilty of domestic violence.
Previously, foreign visa-holders could only have their visas revoked if they had been in jail for at least 12 months or
failed a character test.
The Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) applauds Australian Immigration Minister David Coleman’s stance on deporting
immigrants convicted of domestic violence crimes.
Spokesperson for the SST Jess McVicar said “Domestic violence in New Zealand is a major problem and not enough is being
done to combat it. If NZ adopted a policy similar to Australia, it would save many victims of domestic violence from
further harm and would save the NZ tax payer millions of dollars in legal costs.”
“We have recently heard the case of foreign national Nitin Mittal who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old
passenger in the Uber Mittal was driving. Mittal then went on to obtain a real estate licence and work as a real estate
agent in and around Auckland after his conviction. He should have been deported immediately after sentencing.”
Mittal claimed in court that the boy ‘consented’ to the sexual activity. However, in March 2017 Mittal pleaded guilty to
one charge of doing an indecent act on a young person.
He was sentenced to two months' community detention and 12 months' intensive supervision. He then appealed the discharge
decision, his conviction and sentence.
The Court of Appeal denied the appeal, standing by Judge Cunningham’s decision.
Following his conviction, Mittal was served with a deportation liability notice. Jess commented “His conviction was in
2016, he obtained his real estate license in April 2018 and he is only now - an entire two years after his conviction
he's due to be deported!”
“He should have been deported when he was convicted! It is time New Zealand made a strong stand against domestic
violence, and this is the perfect place to start.” ENDS