Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance has received the following email from the AAT's Deputy President and Division Head:

As you’re aware, the Tribunal recently resumed limited in-person hearings at locations suitable for such arrangements, with the listing of in-person hearings considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the AAT’s practice directions. However, many MRD hearings will continue to be conducted by video/phone due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Further to discussion at our recent meetings, I am writing to invite submissions to identify review applications considered suitable for video hearings for Partner and Family cases lodged to the Tribunal prior to 1 April 2018. This initiative is a small trial to address the aging backlog and difficulties in arranging for in-person hearings for these cohorts of cases case due to the current situation arising from COVID-19. 

Casting my memory back to September 2019, it is beyond my wildest imagination to think that I (just like you) would get cautious if a person stands too close to me whilst using public transport.  I would be cautious to meet a friend or a colleague in a social gathering.  I would need to “Scan” myself in, each and every time I visit a venue.  I would go through so much hand sanitiser and last but not the least, face masks and active wear would become the Met Gala of 2020!

Alas, we are here.  The world is still spinning, the sun is still rising and our work as migration practitioners continues. Although, the way we interact with our fellow colleagues and clients has changed (most likely on a permanent basis).

Where to from here?

From 15 November 2020, the Australian citizenship test will be updated.  This will be considered one of the major updates to the test in over a decade.

The updated test includes revised citizenship test questions and new test questions on Australian values.

Alan Tudge, the acting minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services and multicultural affairs, announced the changes via press release, stating: “Our Australian values are important. They have helped shape our country and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens.”

Source:  Benchmark

Australian immigration lawyer, also the 2019 winner of Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30, Traci Chen has released a fun TikTok.  For those RMAs and Lawyers who are a little older, hold onto your seats! This might just represent the next generation of agents and lawyers in our profession.

Either way, its a bit of fun:

Traci's TikTok (click here to watch)   - turn on the sound