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English Testing of RMAs now on 'hold' for another review
As a result of the ongoing pressure we have applied to the government, we believe that the English Language Testing of Migration Agents is now 'on hold'. You will note from the letter sent out yesterday by CEO of the Office of the MARA, Stephen Wood that he mentions the current status of English Testing of RMAs from 1 January 2014.
Nov_-2013_-CEO_-Newsletter.pdf
An RMA has just written to us as follows:
Migration Alliance
Attn: Christopher Levingston
Dear Chris,
I would like to acknowledge the great work you and the team have been doing, Migration Alliance has become the real voice for all migration agents.
The most recent November MARA CEO's update has a comment in relation to the English Language standard changes effective 1 Jan 2014 and I am certain it is because of the pressure that Migration Alliance has excreted on the MARA in relation to this matter.
I happen to be one of the unfortunate ones affected by this change in that I was first registered on 9 March 2004.
In the newsletter the MARA CEO states as follows in the second paragraph;
"Whilst I ask that you be patient in giving the Minister the opportunity to consider the direction and priorities moving forward, I can assure you that priority is being given to reviewing the English language standard for repeat applicants. Until this review is completed, the Authority will not be considering the refusal of any applications for repeat registration on the grounds of failure to meet the English language standard post 1 January 2014."
I am hopping that the result of this review is that all repeat applicants need not sit for the English exam. In the unfortunate event that the new standard is upheld/left as is, will MARA then give a new deadline
for its implementation? The reason I would like to get an answer to this question is that I have decided to delay my sitting for the English exam until the outcome of this review.
I would kindly like to request Migration Alliance to ask the MARA CEO the above question on behalf of all affected migration agents.
Kind Regards,
Charles Mutuota
MARN:0425170
Charles, in answer to your question:
I made an appointment and attended a meeting at Parliament House yesterday with the Chief of Staff (COS) to Senator Michaelia Cash MP, who confirmed that news would be available on this within a couple of weeks. I also met with Senator Cash in person at Parliament House approx 2 weeks ago and fought hard re the removal of the English Language imposte. I have also sent two submissions and follow up emails since those meetings including another submission this morning. The COS said that the survey that I submitted to the Senator was taken very seriously as were the other submissions that have been made on an ongoing basis by Migration Alliance. The DIBP are currently reviewing the English Testing of RMAs again.
For a copy of the survey results that were submitted to the Senator and her COS please see the following document: English-testing-of-RMAs-Survey-results.pdf
Comments
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Friday, 22 November 2013Thanks MA for the hard work and effort
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Friday, 22 November 2013
I think Migration institute of Australia should be deregistered and in its place should be replaced Migration Alliance of Australia. This is because when it comes to an organization who is in true Aussie spirit of mateship and fighting for the rights of its members, Migration Alliance come second to none. The Alliance has put up unceasingly fight for the cause it believes in because of the discriminatory nature of the English Testing. Well done and continue to fight for the voiceless and the meek in our midst.
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Friday, 22 November 2013
On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 11:29 PM, Quang Nguyen wrote:
Dear Mr Christopher,
I am thrilled to receive such news regarding the delay of English requirement for repeated RMAs. I have always felt strongly about the issue due to its unfair and unjust nature even though I have set for the test and easily and comfortably achieved the IELTS required.
I believe MARA / oMARA have many other better ways to monitor and ensure RMAs perform their duties accordingly. IELTS (Bristish Council) has always been knowingly seen as a commercial exploitation of potential migrants and now to Australian working in the immigration profession.
Anyhow, it has been a long and interesting day for me at the DIAC compliance office who gave carelessly me wrong information about s48 but I congratulate you and the MA team who tirelessly unselfishly looks after RMAs' interest at heart.
We are indebted to you to give us a voice that makes the Minister heard and cared.
God bless you and MA team.
Sincerely yours,
Quang Nguyen
0746874 -
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Liana/Chris - you are doing a fantastic job !!!
Nobody in the history of MIA/MARA has done anything close to what you are doing for us!
Your work is going beyond abnegation ……
A BIG THANK YOU !!!!! -
Saturday, 11 January 2014
I fully applaud Chris and MA.
We will be in the streets looking for another job if not for MA and team who is the REAL voice for the RMA community.
we live another day to fight again.....
Thanks Chris & All
Immigration blog
Thanks MA for the hard work and Effort.