Australian Immigration Daily News

Purpose

Subregulation 2.12H(1) of the Regulations provides that the Minister must refund the amount paid by way of the second instalment of the visa application charge (VAC) in relation to an application for a visa if any of the circumstances mentioned in subregulation 2.12H(2) exists and the Minister has received a written request for a refund.

The circumstance set out by paragraph 2.12H(2)(f) is that the amount was paid under a provision of Schedule 1 to the Regulations specified in an instrument in writing and, within the period of 12 months starting on the applicant’s visa commencement day (within the meaning of the Immigration (Education) Act 1971), certain events specified in paragraph 2.12H(2)(f) occur.

The instrument specifies provisions of Schedule 1 to the Regulations for this purpose. The instrument will ensure ongoing access to VAC refunds for applicants who made applications for the visas listed in the Schedule to the instrument and to whom an event mentioned in paragraph 2.12H(2)(f) applies.

Source: LIN23022.pdf and LIN23022-Explanatory-statement.pdf

A person who is the holder of a valid passport issued by a designated APEC economy, and who has applied to the Government of the designated APEC economy for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) under arrangements in force between Australia and designated APEC economies is taken to have made a valid application for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Business Visitor stream by operation of regulation 2.07AA of the Migration Regulations. The ABTC scheme provides accredited business people streamlined entry to participating economies.

The instrument commences retrospectively on 2 October 2022. This means that where a designated APEC economy passport holder has applied to the designated APEC economy for an ABTC on or after that date, the person will be taken to have made a valid application for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Business Visitor stream.

Source: LIN23008.pdf and LIN23008-Explanatory-statement.pdf

PURPOSE AND OPERATION

The TPS arrangements, including the TPS levy, commenced on 1 July 2012 and are designed to establish a universal tuition protection framework in respect of overseas students. This framework benefits overseas students affected by a provider default, by providing students with placement options or refunds where placement is not available. The arrangements are also designed to protect the considerable investment overseas students make in an Australian education, and to protect and enhance Australia’s reputation as a destination of choice for overseas students.

Source: Education-Services-for-Overseas-Students---TPS-Levies.pdf and Education-Services-for-Overseas-Students---TPS-Levies-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Purpose

Subsection 26(1) of the Act requires a person to make a pledge of commitment to become an Australian citizen, unless they are a person to whom paragraphs 26(1)(a), (b) or (c) of the Act apply. Section 27 of the Act sets out how the pledge of commitment is to be made, and subsection 27(3) provides that the pledge of commitment must be made before a person mentioned in that provision.

Paragraph 27(3)(c) provides that a pledge of commitment may be made before a person who is included in a class of persons authorised under subsection 27(5) of the Act. Subsection 27(5) of the Act provides that the Minister may, by legislative instrument, authorise a class of persons for the purposes of paragraph 27(3)(c).

Source:  LIN22074.pdf and LIN22074-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Introduction

Australia is entering a period of considerable change and uncertainty. This includes economic, demographic and social challenges associated with an ageing population, slowing population growth, and waning productivity. Australian business and industries across the economy are grappling with critical skills shortages, and our economy would benefit from greater diversity and innovation. These are issues mirrored across countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australia’s migration system has the potential to help address these challenges . Complementing employment, education, and training opportunities for the existing Australian labour force, migration can support a national transition to a more diverse economy, enhancing our sovereign capabilities and driving innovation and productivity.

To do so, we need a new strategic approach that reflects our longer term interests and core values. This will shape a simpler migration system that has broad public confidence, enhances our international engagement and competitiveness and unlocks the potential of migrants to effectively contribute to Australia both economically and socially.

Source: A-migration-system-for-Australias-future---terms-of-reference.pdf