EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Act 1958

GRANTING OF PARENT AND OTHER FAMILY VISAS IN 2015/2016 FINANCIAL YEAR DETERMINATION 2015

1. The Instrument IMMI 15/111 is made under section 85 of the Migration Act 1958.
2. The Instrument revokes IMMI 14/050 (F2014L00888), signed on 26 June 2014, under subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
3. The purpose of the Instrument is to determine the maximum number of visas that may be granted in the 2015-2016 financial year for:

a)             Parent (Migrant) (Class AX) and Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP) visas at 1550; and

b)             Other Family (Migrant) (Class BO) and Other Family (Residence) (Class BU) visas at 520.

New Zealand citizens who are not otherwise included in the Migration Programme are also included in both of the specified maximum numbers of visas that may be granted as stated in paragraphs two and three of the Instrument.

4.             The Instrument operates to determine a specified maximum number of visas that may be granted in the financial year 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 for the specified visa.

5.              Consultation about the size and composition of the Migration Programme is undertaken each year by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The maximum numbers established by this Legislative Instrument are consistent with the Migration Planning levels for 2015-2016.

6.             The Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) has advised that a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required (OBPR Reference 19353).

7.             Under section 44 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, the Instrument is exempt from disallowance and therefore a Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is not required.

8.             The Instrument commences on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.