Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd (Migration)

Case [2024] AATA 1600


Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd (Migration) [2024] AATA 1600 (5 March 2024)

DECISION RECORD

DIVISION:Migration & Refugee Division

APPLICANT:  Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd

CASE NUMBER:  2110700

HOME AFFAIRS REFERENCE(S):         BCC2020/1875423

MEMBER:Alison Mercer

DATE:5 March 2024

PLACE OF DECISION:  Melbourne

DECISION:The Tribunal affirms the decision not to approve the nomination.

Statement made on 5 March 2024 at 10:41am

CATCHWORDS 
MIGRATION – nomination – Café or Restaurant Manager – Short-term stream – applicant declined hearing invitation – applicant operated a fast casual restaurant – nominated position is excluded from approval as it falls within the caveat set out in item 8 of LIN 19/048 – business is no longer operating – not satisfied that the position associated with the nominated occupation was genuine and full-time – decision under review affirmed

LEGISLATION
Migration Act 1958, ss 65, 140GB, 245AR, 359, 360
Migration Regulations 1994, rr 1.13, 2.72, 2.73

CASES

Cargo First Pty Ltd v MIBP [2016] FCA 30

Huo v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs [2002] FCA 617

Manna v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship [2012] FMCA 28

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v Li [2013] HCA 18

STATEMENT OF DECISION AND REASONS

APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

  1. This is an application for review of a decision made by a delegate of the Minister for Home Affairs on 29 July 2021 to refuse to approve the applicant’s nomination under s 140GB of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (the Act) and reg 2.72 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) (the Regulations).

  2. The applicant, Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd, applied for approval of its nominated position of Café or Restaurant Manager on 9 July 2020. A nomination of an occupation for a subclass 482 visa is made under s 140GB of the Act and reg 2.73 of the Regulations. The occupation must be nominated for a subclass 482 visa in one of three alternative streams: the Short-term stream, the Medium-term stream or the Labour Agreement stream. Regulation 2.72 prescribes general and stream-specific criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person. These criteria are extracted in the attachment to this decision. Additional criteria are specified in s 140GBA. In this case, the occupation is nominated for a subclass 482 visa in the Short-term stream.

  3. The delegate decided not to approve the nomination on the basis that the applicant did not satisfy r.2.72(8), which required that the nominated occupation was listed in the relevant written instrument, and was not excluded by any occupational caveats in that instrument. The delegate was satisfied that the nominated occupation was listed in the relevant written instrument but noted that the occupation of Café or Restaurant Manager was excluded from approval if (amongst other things) the associated position was based in a ‘limited service restaurant.’ The delegate noted that the applicant traded as the Perk Up Café, a café and burger bar, and concluded that this was a limited service restaurant. The delegate therefore refused to approve the nomination.

  4. The Tribunal received a review…

Continue reading Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd (Migration)

Sign in free to access the full text

Details
AGLC
Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd (Migration) [2024] AATA 1600
Case
[2024] AATA 1600
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

This matter concerned an appeal by Cuppa Haven Pty Ltd against a decision to refuse the nomination of a position for a visa. The nominated occupation was Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO code 141111) under the Short-term stream. The Tribunal was required to determine whether the applicant met the criteria for approval of the nomination, specifically in relation to the occupation's caveats and the genuineness and full-time nature of the nominated position.

The primary legal issue was whether the nominated occupation, Café or Restaurant Manager, was excluded from approval due to its location within a limited service restaurant, as defined by LIN 19/048. This instrument specifies that a limited service restaurant includes a fast casual restaurant. The Tribunal also considered whether the nominated position was genuine and full-time, noting that the business was no longer operating.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision to refuse the nomination. It found that the applicant's business, previously operating as Perk Up Café, was a fast casual restaurant, which fell within the definition of a limited service restaurant under LIN 19/048. This meant the nominated occupation was excluded from approval due to the caveat in item 8 of LIN 19/048. Furthermore, the Tribunal was not satisfied that the position was genuine and full-time, particularly given that the business was no longer operating.

The Tribunal concluded that the applicant had not met the applicable criteria for the nomination to be approved and therefore affirmed the decision under review.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

For the following reasons, the Tribunal has decided to affirm the decision under review to refuse the nomination.CONSIDERATION OF LAW, CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE The issue in the present case is whether the applicant meets the criteria for approval of the nomination. The Tribunal must approve the nomination if the applicant is an approved work sponsor and meets the requirements in reg 2.72: s 140GB(2). The applicant must also have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination for which they are liable. In addition, the labour market testing requirements in s 140GBA must be met.Specified occupation Regulation 2.72(8) requires that the nominated occupation and its 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and 6-digit code specified in the instrument in force at the time the nomination is made, that is, LIN 19/048. The occupation must also apply to the nominee in accordance with the instrument. The Tribunal is satisfied that the nominated occupation of Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO code 141111) is listed in LIN 19/048 and is subject to the following occupational caveats:·Note 8 – position cannot be approved if located in a limited service restaurant The definitions section in LIN 19/048 states that a limited service restaurant includes the following:(a) a fast food or takeaway food service; (b) a fast casual restaurant; (c) a drinking establishment that offers only a limited food service; (d) a limited service cafe, including a coffee shop or mall cafe; (e) a limited service pizza restaurant. The material provided by Mr Muniandy indicates that the applicant company previously traded as the Perk Up Café, in Melbourne’s central district, and had an outdoor dining permit. The sample menu provided to the Department indicates that it served breakfast (including various toasts and cooked egg meals), burgers (14 varieties, plus a few other meat and seafood dishes and salads) and non-alcoholic drinks. A floor plan provided shows seating for approximately 40 patrons indoors and outdoors. The organisational chart shows 2 other chefs besides Mr Muniandy (listed as owner/chef), and also a Restaurant Manager (stated to be the nominated position currently filled by a person who wished to step down in favour of the nominee, due to health reasons), an Assistant Manager (position at that time occupied by the nominee), 2 wait staff and a barista. A letter dated 9 July 2020 from the applicant’s then agent indicated that the business usually traded from 5.30am to 8.30pm but was subject to COVID19-related trading restrictions, and was now open between 7am and 2pm. The agent also stated that ‘Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the business offers takeaway services through Deliveroo and Menulog. Screenshots of ordering through these companies have been included as evidence of this. Normal operations included table service, where wait staff take orders at the table, present the food, beverages, wine, etc. In addition, payment was upon conclusion of the meal, with the bill delivered to the table.

Decision

Reasons for decision

For the reasons given above, the Tribunal is not satisfied that the applicant meets the applicable criteria for the nomination to be approved. Accordingly, the decision under review must be affirmed. DECISION The Tribunal affirms the decision not to approve the nomination.Alison MercerMemberATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 19942.72 Criteria for approval of nomination--Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa and Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa(1)This regulation applies in relation to a person who:(a)is any of the following:(i) a standard business sponsor;(ii) a person who has applied to be a standard business sponsor;(iii) …(iv) …(b)under paragraph 140GB(1)(b) of the Act, nominates a proposed occupation in relation to any of the following (the nominee):(i) a holder of a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa;(ii) a holder of a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa;(iii) an applicant or a proposed applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa.(2)For the purposes of paragraph 140GB(2)(b) of the Act, the criteria set out in this regulation are prescribed.Note: In addition, subsection 140GB(2) of the Act requires the person to be an approved work sponsor and to have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination.(3)The Minister is satisfied that the person made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in regulation 2.73.(4)The Minister is satisfied that either:(a)there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person; or(b)it is reasonable to disregard any adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person.(5)The Minister is satisfied that:(a)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream—the person is a standard business sponsor; or(b)…(5A)The Minister is satisfied that any debt due by the person as mentioned in section 140ZO of the Act (recovery of nomination training contribution charge and late payment penalty) has been paid in full.(6)If the nominee holds:(a)a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa; or(b)a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa;the Minister is satisfied that the person has listed on the nomination each other holder of either of those kinds of visa who was granted the visa on the basis of having the necessary relationship with the nominee as mentioned in clause 457.321 of Schedule 2 (as in force before 18 March 2018) or subclause 482.312(1) of Schedule 2.(7)However, the Minister may disregard the fact that one or more persons required to be listed on the nomination are not listed, if the Minister is satisfied it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(8)The Minister is satisfied that:(a)the occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code specified in:(i) if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream—the instrument made under subregulation (9) in force at the time the nomination is made; or(ii) …; and(b)the occupation applies to the nominee in accordance with the instrument or work agreement.(9)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify occupations and, for each occupation:(a)whether the occupation is:(i) a short term skilled occupation; or(ii) a medium and long term strategic skills occupation; and(b)either:(i) the 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation; or(ii) if there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation—a 6-digit code for the occupation; and(c)if there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation—tasks, qualifications and experience for the occupation; and(d)any matters for the purpose of determining whether the occupation applies to a nominee, including matters relating to any of the following:(i) the person who nominated the occupation;(ii) the nominee;(iii) the occupation;(iv) the position in which the nominee is to work;(v) the circumstances in which the occupation is undertaken;(vi) the circumstances in which the nominee is to be employed in the position.(10)The Minister is satisfied that the position associated with the occupation is:(a)genuine; and(b)a full-time position.(10A)However, the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (10)(b) if the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(11)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the person is not an overseas business sponsor; and(c)the occupation is not an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument made under subregulation (13);the Minister is satisfied that:(d)the nominee will be engaged only as an employee under a written contract of employment by the person or an associated entity of the person (the employer); and(e)the person will give the Minister a copy of the contract signed by the employer and the nominee.(12)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the person is an overseas business sponsor; and(c)the occupation is not an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument made under subregulation (13);the Minister is satisfied that:(d)the nominee will be engaged only as an employee under a written contract of employment by the person; and(e)the person will give the Minister a copy of the contract signed by the person and the nominee.(13)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify occupations for the purposes of paragraphs (11)(c) and (12)(c) …(14)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the nominee holds a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa or a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa; and(c)the Minister requested the person to provide evidence that the nominee satisfies the language test requirements;the person has provided evidence to the Minister that the nominee satisfies:(d)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream—any language test requirements specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for clause 482.223 of Schedule 2 that would apply to the nominee if the nominee were an applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream; or(e)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Medium-term stream—any language test requirements specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for clause 482.232 of Schedule 2 that would apply to the nominee if the nominee were an applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Medium-term stream.(15)Subject to subregulation (16), if:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the Minister is not satisfied that the nominee’s annual earnings in relation to the occupation will be at least the amount specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of this paragraph;the Minister is satisfied that:(c)the annual market salary rate for the occupation has been determined by the person in accordance with the instrument made under subregulation (17); and(d)the annual market salary rate, excluding any non-monetary benefits, for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is not less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of this paragraph; and(e)the nominee’s annual earnings in relation to the occupation will not be less than the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)); and(f)the nominee’s annual earnings, excluding any non-monetary benefits, in relation to the occupation will not be less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of paragraph (d); and(g)either:(i) there is no information known to Immigration that indicates that the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is inconsistent with Australian labour market conditions relevant to the occupation; or(ii) it is reasonable to disregard any such information.(16)However:(a)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(d) if the Minister is satisfied that:(i) the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is not less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of paragraph (15)(d); and(ii) it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so; and(aa)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(e) if:(i) under subregulation (10A), the Minister disregards the criterion in paragraph (10)(b) in relation to the position associated with the occupation; and(ii) the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so; and(b)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(f) if the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(17)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a method for determining the annual market salary rate for an occupation nominated under section 140GB of the Act or an occupation in relation to which a position is nominated under regulation 5.19.(18)If the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream, the Minister is satisfied that:(a)either:(i) there is no information known to Immigration that indicates that the employment conditions (other than in relation to earnings) that will apply to the nominee are less favourable than those that apply, or would apply, to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location; or(ii) it is reasonable to disregard any such information; and(b)if the person is lawfully operating a business in Australia—the person has not engaged in discriminatory recruitment practices.(19)…

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

The Tribunal affirms the decision not to approve the nomination.Alison MercerMemberATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 19942.72 Criteria for approval of nomination--Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa and Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa(1)This regulation applies in relation to a person who:(a)is any of the following:(i) a standard business sponsor;(ii) a person who has applied to be a standard business sponsor;(iii) …(iv) …(b)under paragraph 140GB(1)(b) of the Act, nominates a proposed occupation in relation to any of the following (the nominee):(i) a holder of a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa;(ii) a holder of a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa;(iii) an applicant or a proposed applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa.(2)For the purposes of paragraph 140GB(2)(b) of the Act, the criteria set out in this regulation are prescribed.Note: In addition, subsection 140GB(2) of the Act requires the person to be an approved work sponsor and to have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination.(3)The Minister is satisfied that the person made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in regulation 2.73.(4)The Minister is satisfied that either:(a)there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person; or(b)it is reasonable to disregard any adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person.(5)The Minister is satisfied that:(a)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream—the person is a standard business sponsor; or(b)…(5A)The Minister is satisfied that any debt due by the person as mentioned in section 140ZO of the Act (recovery of nomination training contribution charge and late payment penalty) has been paid in full.(6)If the nominee holds:(a)a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa; or(b)a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa;the Minister is satisfied that the person has listed on the nomination each other holder of either of those kinds of visa who was granted the visa on the basis of having the necessary relationship with the nominee as mentioned in clause 457.321 of Schedule 2 (as in force before 18 March 2018) or subclause 482.312(1) of Schedule 2.(7)However, the Minister may disregard the fact that one or more persons required to be listed on the nomination are not listed, if the Minister is satisfied it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(8)The Minister is satisfied that:(a)the occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code specified in:(i) if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream—the instrument made under subregulation (9) in force at the time the nomination is made; or(ii) …; and(b)the occupation applies to the nominee in accordance with the instrument or work agreement.(9)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify occupations and, for each occupation:(a)whether the occupation is:(i) a short term skilled occupation; or(ii) a medium and long term strategic skills occupation; and(b)either:(i) the 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation; or(ii) if there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation—a 6-digit code for the occupation; and(c)if there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the occupation—tasks, qualifications and experience for the occupation; and(d)any matters for the purpose of determining whether the occupation applies to a nominee, including matters relating to any of the following:(i) the person who nominated the occupation;(ii) the nominee;(iii) the occupation;(iv) the position in which the nominee is to work;(v) the circumstances in which the occupation is undertaken;(vi) the circumstances in which the nominee is to be employed in the position.(10)The Minister is satisfied that the position associated with the occupation is:(a)genuine; and(b)a full-time position.(10A)However, the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (10)(b) if the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(11)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the person is not an overseas business sponsor; and(c)the occupation is not an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument made under subregulation (13);the Minister is satisfied that:(d)the nominee will be engaged only as an employee under a written contract of employment by the person or an associated entity of the person (the employer); and(e)the person will give the Minister a copy of the contract signed by the employer and the nominee.(12)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the person is an overseas business sponsor; and(c)the occupation is not an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument made under subregulation (13);the Minister is satisfied that:(d)the nominee will be engaged only as an employee under a written contract of employment by the person; and(e)the person will give the Minister a copy of the contract signed by the person and the nominee.(13)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify occupations for the purposes of paragraphs (11)(c) and (12)(c) …(14)If:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the nominee holds a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa or a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa; and(c)the Minister requested the person to provide evidence that the nominee satisfies the language test requirements;the person has provided evidence to the Minister that the nominee satisfies:(d)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream—any language test requirements specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for clause 482.223 of Schedule 2 that would apply to the nominee if the nominee were an applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream; or(e)if the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Medium-term stream—any language test requirements specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for clause 482.232 of Schedule 2 that would apply to the nominee if the nominee were an applicant for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Medium-term stream.(15)Subject to subregulation (16), if:(a)the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream; and(b)the Minister is not satisfied that the nominee’s annual earnings in relation to the occupation will be at least the amount specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of this paragraph;the Minister is satisfied that:(c)the annual market salary rate for the occupation has been determined by the person in accordance with the instrument made under subregulation (17); and(d)the annual market salary rate, excluding any non-monetary benefits, for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is not less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of this paragraph; and(e)the nominee’s annual earnings in relation to the occupation will not be less than the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)); and(f)the nominee’s annual earnings, excluding any non-monetary benefits, in relation to the occupation will not be less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of paragraph (d); and(g)either:(i) there is no information known to Immigration that indicates that the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is inconsistent with Australian labour market conditions relevant to the occupation; or(ii) it is reasonable to disregard any such information.(16)However:(a)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(d) if the Minister is satisfied that:(i) the annual market salary rate for the occupation (determined by the person in accordance with an instrument made under subregulation (17)) is not less than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument made for the purposes of paragraph (15)(d); and(ii) it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so; and(aa)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(e) if:(i) under subregulation (10A), the Minister disregards the criterion in paragraph (10)(b) in relation to the position associated with the occupation; and(ii) the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so; and(b)the Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (15)(f) if the Minister is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(17)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a method for determining the annual market salary rate for an occupation nominated under section 140GB of the Act or an occupation in relation to which a position is nominated under regulation 5.19.(18)If the occupation is nominated for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa in the Short-term stream or Medium-term stream, the Minister is satisfied that:(a)either:(i) there is no information known to Immigration that indicates that the employment conditions (other than in relation to earnings) that will apply to the nominee are less favourable than those that apply, or would apply, to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location; or(ii) it is reasonable to disregard any such information; and(b)if the person is lawfully operating a business in Australia—the person has not engaged in discriminatory recruitment practices.(19)…