Canberra, Australia – Australia And US To Share Information On Travelers

Canberra, Australia – The Australian and U.S. governments have signed an information-sharing agreement to bolster each country’s ability to confirm identities of foreign travelers.

The Australian government said in a statement the agreement for the sharing of visa and immigration information, which was signed at Parliament House on Wednesday, will enable two-way information sharing between the countries.

The agreement comes as Australia tightens its border security to prevent Australian jihadists from joining Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said the agreement would enable the exchange of appropriate immigration information in accordance with the countries’ respective privacy and legislative provisions, increasing volumes and response times, and facilitating timely immigration-related decisions.