Department of Immigration and Citizenship knowingly allowed more than 100,000 people with tuberculosis to enter Australia.
A report released on Wednesday by the Australian National Audit Office found that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship knowingly allowed more than 100,000 people with tuberculosis to enter Australia but frequently failed to check up on whether they sought medical treatment, The Australian reports.
People with inactive TB or who have a history of the disease sometimes are permitted to enter Australia if they sign an agreement stating they will be examined by a doctor after they enter the country, according to the AAP/Sydney Morning Herald.'DIAC has few mechanisms to monitor or ensure visa holders' compliance with health undertakings, and, thus, cannot determine whether health undertakings are effective in terms of meeting the intent of the health requirement,' the report said.
It also found that health screening procedures have 'limitations and gaps' that weaken DIAC's ability to prevent the spread of diseases, such as TB, in the country. DIAC acknowledged the system's faults and agreed to overhaul it.
Source-Kaiser Family Foundation
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