A media release provided by the Hon. Alex Hawke MP, clarifies the announcement on the transitional period for lawyers with restricted practising licences, which was made at last week’s MIA National Conference.
The Federal Government is expecting the lawyers to be removed from the Migration Agents Regulatory Authority (MARA) regulatory system starting 1 July 2018.
Currently, the MIA is in the process of obtaining clarification on what is considered “a reasonable basis” for extending this two-year transitional period.
The MIA remains in opposition of deregulating lawyers. However, if the legislation takes effect, they believe that lawyers should have the option to remain registered with the Office of the MARA.
The MIA strongly supports and campaigns in all appropriate areas on behalf of members who will be adversely affected by these proposed changes.
The full media release can be viewed here.
If you are affected by this and would like support or more information on this, please get in touch with us at Mygration, and we will be happy to help.
Grandfathering provisions 457 to ENS/RSMS announced
DIBP Fact Sheet Two: Reforms to Australia’s permanent skilled migration program
This update provides advice on the grandfathering provisions for holders of Subclass 457 visas up until 18 April 2017.
These visa holders can access certain existing provisions under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream:
Occupation requirements remain the same
The age requirement remains the same
Work experience requirement remains the same
Other provisions have been clarified:
Work experience
Training requirement
Regional Australia – updates to RCB and postcodes
Legislative Instrument – F2017L01460 – IMMI 17/059: Regional Certifying Bodies and Regional Postcodes Instrument 2017
This Instrument specifies the postcodes for the areas of Australia defined as regional Australia, for migration purposes. Relevant Regional Certifying Bodies (RCB) are also listed.
Regional Certifying Bodies
Schedule 1 of the Instrument indicates these changes to RCBs below. All other RCB from the previous Instrument remain.
State | Removed | Added |
NSW |
· Regional Development Australia Far South Coast | · Southern NSW – Regional Development Australia, Far South Coast |
NT | · Department of Business and Employment | · Department of Trade, Business and Innovation |
Qld |
· Central Qld – Winston Shire Council
· Central Qld – Regional Development Australia Central Queensland, · North Qld – Cape York Peninsula Development Association Inc, · North Qld – Gulf Savannah Development Inc, · North Qld – Townsville Enterprise Limited
|
None |
SA |
· Department of Manufacturing Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy | · Department of State Development |
Tas | · Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts | · Department of State Development |
Vic |
· Department of Business and Innovation (Ballarat, Bedigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wannagaratta and Wodonga) | · Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga) |
WA | · Gascoyne Development Commission,
· Great Southern Development Commission · Kimberley Development Commission · Mid West Development Commission · Peel Development Commission · Pilbara Development Commission · Skilled Migration Western Australia · South West Development Commission |
· Department of Training and Workforce Development |
ACT | · Unchanged: ACT Economic Development Directorate | · Unchanged: ACT Economic Development Directorate |
Regional Australia
In subregulation 5.19(7), every postcode stated in Schedule 2 of this Instrument is described as regiona
Only Western Australia postcodes have been changed. Postcodes in all other areas remain the same.
Perth metropolitan area is excluded from this Instrument. The following postcodes are stated as only regional:
This Instrument begins on 17 November 2017. IMMI 16/045 is repealed as a result.
Changes to visitor visa application arrangements – Indonesia
Legislative Instrument – F2017L01454 – IMMI 17/124: Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) Visa Applications
VETASSES – Holiday Closures
RMAs should have received a VETASSES Important Updates e-mail directly this week.
VETASSESS will be closed for the holiday period beginning Friday 22 December 2017. It will reopen on Wednesday, 3 January 2018.
PROCESSING CUT-OFF DATES
We at Mygration are here to provide advice and guidance on your migration needs. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this with us.