The following message has been received by RMAs from the Office of the MARA originating from email address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Dear Registered Migration Agent,
From today the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (the OMARA) will stop issuing registration certificates and cards to registered migration agents.
The OMARA is required by law to ensure that the Register of Migration Agents (the Register) shows all persons who are currently registered and their contact details. The electronic version of the Register provides accurate, secure and real-time information, reflecting any changes that may have occurred since the person was registered. Agent registration certificates and cards do not provide this level of accuracy or security and as such are being discontinued. This shift is also in alignment with the department’s digital transformation strategy.
The OMARA’s long standing practice has been to direct consumers to the Register on the OMARA website to find, or to verify that they are using, a registered migration agent. Studies have shown that users of government services in Australia are increasingly choosing to engage government services through digital channels. With the advent of more widespread use of portable devices, consumers are able to search the Register at any time or place.
The OMARA understands that some agents produce their card or certificate when attending departmental offices. We have been in contact with all visa processing areas, airports, and detention centres to advise that verification that a person is an RMA is via the Register on the OMARA website. If you are accessing departmental premises (for example a detention centre) security staff will continue to ask you to provide photographic identification.
If you have not already given permission to display your photograph on the Register we encourage you to do so now. This adds an extra layer of security for your MARN. Consumers are then able to see that you are the registered migration agent they have agreed to engage. You can update your photo and preferences by logging in to the OMARA website.
Regards
Office of the MARA
Note: It will not be possible to issue any further cards to agents even if a card has been requested. The option to request a card will be removed from the online registration application form around July. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
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