Migration Alliance now has just over 5000 member migration agents. It would be fair to say that a large proportion of MIA members are dual Migration Alliance members. Our members have started complaining about the removal of "free" travel insurance which was part of their MIA annual membership.
When I was on the MIA Board the " free" travel insurance was regarded by the membership as a real incentive to maintain their membership.
When I left the MIA and set about creating Migration Alliance with Liana Allan, the fact of MA being entirely free was not enough of an incentive for some MIA members to jump ship. They spoke about the travel insurance benefit.
I think it is fair to say that this recent decision to not fund "free" travel insurance will rock the boat even further.
MIA had huge cash reserves when it was uncoupled from the MARA but now has to pinch pennies. What happened?
How do you compete with Migration Alliance who offers the same range of services and support for free?
By the way, if you want annual travel insurance from your peak professional association then please watch this space. Migration Alliance will soon be releasing an industry travel insurance for RMAs. This time, RMAs will be able to see exactly what they are paying for their travel insurance. The aggregated price per premium will not be hidden in the cost of an annual membership fee. It will be stated clearly and members can either choose to take it up or not. There is also the option of travel insurance via a credit card, which is something Migration Alliance advised agents about years ago.
What, if anything is the MIA going to provide in replacement for the travel insurance they have just taken away from their members? Will members continue to pay the same high annual membership fees to the MIA, minus the travel insurance?
Room for thought.
Christopher Levingston
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