Australia’s immigration laws are set to come under the microscope as the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants arrives in Australia today.

Francois Crepeau will use his 18-day trip to examine immigration detention and processing centres in Australia and on Nauru.

In a statement, Mr Crepeau said he would also meet with border protection officials and migrants as part of a series of meetings in capital cities.

The UN has raised questions over Australia’s treatment of refugees at the Nauru processing centre. Photo: supplied

“This is an opportunity for me to understand how Australia manages its overall migration policies, and their impact on the human rights of migrants,” he said.

The visit comes 14 months after Mr Crepeau cancelled a planned trip due to concerns over immigration legislation.

At the time, he issued a statement regarding the Border Force Act, voicing concerns that the legislation prevented him from “fully and freely” carrying out his duties.

“This threat of reprisals with persons who would want to cooperate with me on the occasion of this official visit is unacceptable,” he said.

“The act prevents me from fully and freely carrying out my duties during the visit, as required by the UN guidelines for independent experts carrying out their country visits.”

Mr Crepeau’s visit coincides with the Coalition’s announcement on proposed amendments to the Migration Act, which would ban refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru from ever coming to Australia.

– ABC