Concerned with the low rates of applications for sc188, sc888 and sc132 visas, a parliamentary committee is calling for submissions on how it can boost the programme's uptake.

Federal Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Migration is set to examine the Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP).

The BIIP is designed to increase entrepreneurial talent and diversify business expertise in Australia.

In a parliamentary statement issued on 20 March 2014, Committee chair Louise Markus said skilled migration is a key component of Australia's migration system.

Since inception four years ago, the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), has grown from an unnecessary regulatory authority to an overfunded and out of date Australian Labor Party cost legacy that, some would argue, has a crystal clear self interest mandate, in protecting its high paying jobs located in the plush offices overlooking Sydney’s Hyde Park.

According to various sources, OMARA, rather than assisting registered agents or protecting consumers from unregistered practice continues to do the opposite.

Almost all Registered Migration Agents, including lawyers, are affected by the ongoing inefficiencies and incompetence at the OMARA and its culture of bureaucratic interference.

Tourism Australia spends millions promoting regional Australia each year. Ironically, regional Australia does not have enough workers to support tourism. According to The Australian, Austrade has told the Productivity Commission that the unwillingness of locals to relocate to regional areas is creating a shortage of workers for regional tourism and it says that there is an urgent need to let foreign workers fill the gap.

The federal government department responsible for tourism, Austrade, says that regional tourism is suffering and urgently requires workers in hotels, pubs and restaurants. It says that as early as next year, there will be a shortage of some 56,000 workers in the hospitality industry.  It has thus backed industry calls for increased flexibility of the 457 work visas and working holiday visas.

Austrade is seeking a lower English language competency threshold as well as a lower salary threshold for the foreign workers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The Productivity Commission is currently looking at labour force mobility. Austrade believes that any changes to wage floors for 457 visa workers could have sweeping effects on Australia’s hotels, restaurants and cafes by making it easier for owners to hire staff from overseas and attract workers to regional tourist hubs.

In Austrade’s report to the Productivity Commission, it stated, “Providing more flexible arrangements to access overseas labour to address shortages will help to provide a stronger tourism workforce that will help the Australian tourism industry become more competitive, encourage greater investment, and support regional development.”

We are pleased to advise that the Office of the MARA have approved Migration Alliance as an Authorised Voluntary Organisation for the purpose of migration CPD as of yesterday 20 March 2014. 

Any Registered Migration Agents who are interested in earning 1 migration CPD point for 3 hours of Pro Bono /Volunteer work please contact Migration Alliance on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

In the next few weeks Migration Alliance will be launching it's first Immigration Clinic in Auburn, NSW.  Auburn is an immigrant hotspot in Sydney's west, made up of 'mosques, kebabs and multicultural gatherings' says CNN Travel, who have put together a news item on Auburn.

The following information has come in to Migration Alliance from a RMA who is happy for us to share the news:

Dear Richard,

The matter was considered and the policy has been amended. IELTS tests will be valid for up to 3 years.

Warm regards,
Michael Thomson
Administration
Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS)
PO Box 1911
Milton QLD 4064
Australia
Phone: 61 7 3876 2988
Fascimile: 61 7 3876 2999


From: Richard Coates [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '; document.write(''); document.write(addy_text67775); document.write('<\/a>'); //-->\n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]
Sent: Wednesday, 12 March 2014 3:15 PM
To: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Subject: IELTS Policy

Dear Sir Or Madam,
Have noticed in your Guidelines your policy on IELTS test is as Follows,

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
A valid IELTS report form showing an overall band score of 7.0 or better (Academic or General). AIMS
considers an IELTS report to be current for two years from the date of issue.

Are you aware that DIBP have changed their Legislation to acceptance of IELTS results and that under Migration legislation since July 2012 all IELTS test are valid up to 3 years could you put this to your board member to consider a change of policy in view of fairness to potential applicants who have IELTS test results and believing they are accepted throughout Australia for up to two years., the benefits to you organisation should you come in line with the department of immigration policy change can only be an wider scope and increase in applicants for professional assessment. The only people who benefit from not changing your policy is the IELTS test body financially. As agents we feel it is an un dues expense on your potential clients. Its common sense that a person ability to speak and function at the required level once met wont decrease once they are utilising it in Australia in their profession I would like to know if there is any lodgeicsal reason your body cannot make this change as DIBP has done. DIBP recognise this and it would bring your organisation in line with government latest legislative change.
Look forward to hearing from you .

Regards

Richard E Coates
Migration Agent
Marn #0746134
Celtic Migration Services pty ltd
Ph.: 08 83966814 Mob: 0417839502 Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.