Migration Alliance has received correspondence from the AAT's Deputy President, Migration & Refugee Division Head, regarding the new COVID-19 Special Measures Practice Direction.

For more information: https://www.aat.gov.au/landing-pages/practice-directions-guides-and-guidelines/covid-19-special-measures-practice-direction-migra

Various migration agents and organisations across the Australian Migration Advice profession have received a suspicious email today titled Legal Migration services sent you "PO-09514.pdf" from the email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The best way to stop this all together is for as many agents to report this to drop box as possible.   

You can do this by clicking on the link here in the email sent to you:

Current as at 22 April 2020

To respond to COVID-19, the government has introduced flexible and temporary visa arrangements that support Australia’s public health measures. The Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event visa) is being utilised to manage the extraordinary circumstances that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic event. The measure is temporary in nature, will be subject to ongoing review and will be wound back appropriately in line with the end of the pandemic. Who is eligible to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa? The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa is available to people who are:

 in Australia

The Tasmanian Government has unveiled a $3 million package to support around 26,000 temporary visa holders stuck in the state because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Visa holders who can demonstrate immediate financial hardship will be eligible for $250 for individuals, and $1,000 for families.

Premier Peter Gutwein said it was "only fair" to support people who had contributed to the state's economy.

Migration Alliance member and RMA, James Hall, has provided this useful information:

I just came across another issue that would be of interest to others that use skillselect. See if you agree though first if you want to post. This is not a big issue but any miscalculation of dates can be crucial for certain applicants.

My client just got the notice that I've attached. The English test (IELTS) in this case was done on 22nd April 2017. The period of 36 months is to 21st April 2020. The letter states that 22nd April is more than 36 months and that my client's application may be refused. (We're hoping the state will finalise the nomination on today 22nd April).