After losing faith in the ability of the authorities to deal with Radovan Laski, a group of Indian students launched legal cases in Victorian courts to recoup tens of thousands of dollars from him.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Mr Radovan Laski may have, “reaped $4 million by convincing up to 100 Indians to hand over up to $40,000 after promising to help them get a 187 visa, which allows a skilled worker to get permanent residency if they are sponsored by a regional employer.”

But Mr Laski failed to find many of the workers the promised jobs and sponsorship. Some of the overseas workers allegedly duped by Mr Laski were promised jobs in skilled working environments but ended up being sent to work in regional abattoirs.

It is reported that Federal police and immigration department officials have now raided the offices of the alleged ringleader of a long-running migration and education racket that exploited dozens of overseas students and workers.

“Police are investigating Radovan Laski and his network of associates - including a former senior Immigration Department official - after they allegedly duped the students and workers into paying up to $40,000 after being falsely promised Australian residency or working visas” says the report

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The MRT-RRT Communications team has been tasked with developing video content for the tribunals’ website to assist applicants and their representatives to better understand tribunal processes.

As part of the process, the MRT-RRT will be conducting a consultation session with external stakeholders. The consultation session will ensure the video covers relevant content with key messages communicated effectively. 

Ideally, the MRT-RRT would like at least three migration agents from Migration Alliance to help form the external stakeholder group.    Migration Alliance can nominate three migration agents who are willing to participate in the external stakeholder consultation sessions.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has commenced an inquiry into the Business Innovation and Investment Programme.  Migration Alliance received an invitation to participate and inform other organisations, groups and individuals. Please find below a copy of the letter we have received:

New-Inquiry-into-the-business-innovation-and-investment-programme.pdf

Below is the submission by Christopher Levingston in his own personal capacity, which you may wish to use as a terms of reference:

Public opinion on Morrison’s axing of the IAAAs funding scheme seems to support the Minister’s decision despite criticism from refugee advocates, according to some opinions posted on the ABC online website. However, the public support is not for reasons stated by Morrison, but rather, the call is for lawyers and agents alike to step-up and offer pro-bono services to people in need.

The Migration Alliance believes that professional advice must be made accessible to all regardless of their ability to afford such services. The MA accepts that it is part of an RMAs moral and professional responsibility to assist those in the community who are unable to obtain legal aid or otherwise afford professional migration advice. The axing of the IAAS funding makes this all the more important.

One of the best ways of encouraging pro bono work is to recognise it. For this reason, the Migration Alliance applied for and has been approved as an Authorised Voluntary Organisation for the purposes of CPD. This is to encourage MA members to provide pro bono services and get due recognition for the time members spend on providing these services."

Under the arrangements with the office of the MARA, MA members are eligible to claim 1 migration CPD point for every 3 hours of Pro Bono work. In the next few weeks Migration Alliance will be launching its first Immigration Clinic in Auburn, NSW at the Auburn Community Centre. Details will be announced soon. RMAs are encouraged to register for this event by contacting us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The MA is investigating ways it can expand on its pro bono services and invites suggestion from members.

The migration advisory industry is a high-profile industry largely due to the critical role immigration plays, at any level, to swing votes. However, the MA believes it is important that the most vulnerable people are assisted and have access to professional migration advice, regardless of which way the political pendulum on the matter swings.

Dr Caroline Hong is the face of modern Australia.

Malaysian born with Chinese Ancestry, Caroline Hong has lived, worked and built her career in Australia for over three decades.

Armed with several Australian tertiary qualifications, she is well known in Australia for her passion, commitment and advocacy for the SME sector, notably in her role as International Ambassador of the SME Association of Australia, Ambassador of Australia China Business Week and President of China HR.

Over the past 15 years, she has held three CEO roles of leading industry associations in the healthcare and business sectors, and is widely recognised and admired as an Australia-Asia SME Expert.