Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand is in ongoing discussions with Five Eyes allies Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, about sharing details of citizens’ criminal records.
The Migration 5 group already exchanges information on migrants’ travel and visa histories. But the move to include citizens’ criminal data raises privacy and sovereignty concerns.
Currently chaired by New Zealand, Migration 5 has held regular meetings, including eight online sessions and an in-person gathering in Wellington in 2024.
According to documents obtained under the Official Information Act, the group already shares third-country nationals’ biometric and immigration histories between member states. For instance, a New Zealander travelling to Canada may have their information cross-referenced with data provided by Australia, the US, and Britain. However, New Zealand does not require its partners to disclose who else they share this information with.
Despite these measures, the UK has clarified there are no immediate plans to implement a “Single Window” system that would grant direct access to each member’s immigration databases.
Critics argue that granting allied nations access to citizens’ criminal records could erode privacy rights and complicate international travel for individuals.
The Criminal Database Checking group, tasked with evaluating these proposals, will reconvene online later this month to continue deliberations.
