Australian Immigration Daily News

It has come to the attention of Migration Alliance that a certain news author in our RMA / Legal community has sent an email out today which explains how RMAs can advise their clients in the wake of the Novel Coronavirus emergency. The email released is in our view, nothing more than a "scare-campaign" which suggests that there is the potential for Permanent Residents to have their visas cancelled in the wake of the Novel Coronavirus.  Here is a quote:

"We also explain why, if the situation deteriorates, even permanent residency (PR) visas could be cancelled. Although PR cancellations seem unlikely at this stage, practitioners should consider warning clients of that risk and how to mitigate it."

There is simply no evidence that this is the case.  This has not been suggested by any official source as a potential choice if the situation deteriorates.  The Department of Home Affairs and the ABF have gone to great lengths to make information clear and timely.

PR cancellations are not just "unlikely" they are improbable to impossible.  Saying they would be "unlikely" or even writing about it is to create fear that this might happen, thus causing readers to want to subscribe to the news service to find out more.  This is especially disappointing because the author of the news is a lawyer and should really know better.

The article also vaguely states:

"We further discuss the legislative powers used to cancel visas and to prevent non-citizens (and even Australian citizens in some cases) from entering Australia."

Again, this is in our view nothing more than a 'clickbait' attempt to get readership subscriptions behind a paywall.  Australians are being sent to hotels and Christmas Island, which we already know about from this news article here.  There is no "legislative power' that has not already been released on this website here and most other cases in the mainstream media.

Migration Alliance has referred this email to the Department of Home Affairs and to the Legal Services Commissioner because of its capacity to engender fear and uncertainty.

Migration Alliance is in contact with the Department and will advise on any important updates.

For up-to-date information always check ABF and Home Affairs websites which are listed here.