How registered migration agents are fighting for business equality

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Created on Monday, 12 March 2012 11:14

Written by Editorial staff

Presenting a united front against potential abuse of international citizens working in Australia, registered migration agents do so much more than handling visa paperwork.

In effect these professionals are helping to build the domestic commercial culture - with many migrants entering the country looking to start their own business.

While this is not the sole purpose for their travels, it has been well documented that setting up a firm in Australia is fairly straightforward.

As an example, the World Bank has ranked the nation as second only to New Zealand when it comes to the relative ease of establishing a new business.

In a recent paper published by the Commonwealth Bank's Women In Focus initiative, participants were treated with some first-hand accounts of what life is like for those people who choose to move overseas to start a business and adopt a change in lifestyle.

In a special section focusing on Australian migration services, registered migration agent Liana Allan was invited to explain how the Migration Alliance helped to protect the rights of its members as well as promoting the responsible use of sponsorship avenues.

Representing over 2,300 immigration agents, this organisation plays an active role in providing the federal government with suggested changes to legislation.

These submissions help to inform the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) of the key concerns of those in the industry - in terms of both market and consumer practices.

As Ms Allan puts it, Migration Alliance exists to promote the interests of its members, their clients and the national interest.

"Our organisation will step things up if companies abuse sponsorship, bring slave labour into Australia, or employ overseas-nationals people unlawfully or on lower pay," she asserted.

"If we believe if something is not in the best interest of a group of visa holders within Australia, then we'll definitely make submissions to government to protect the migrant worker."

The founding member of Migration Alliance went on to say that the past action of the organisation had served to place it firmly in the eyes of the DIAC as "a major stakeholder".

Expanding on the operations and focus of the organisation, Ms Allan provided specific examples of misuse of employer power, as well as explaining that the Alliance was committed to "passionately lobby against" immoral commercial practices.

Want to know more about how Migration Alliance protects its members and their clients? You can join the discussion on the Women In Focus site, or follow Liana Allan on Twitter for personal updates on immigration news and events.