EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
CLASS OF PERSONS
(REGULATION 1223A(2)(a)(ix))
- This Instrument is made under subsubparagraph 1223A(2)(a)(ix) of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Subsubparagraph 1223A(2)(a)(ix) provides that for applicants coming within a class of persons specified in an instrument in writing a visa application charge (VAC) of nil will apply.
3. The purpose of this Instrument is to specify which class of persons is entitled to a nil VAC for a Subclass 456 Temporary Business (Short Stay) (Class UC) visa.
4. The Schedule to this Instrument lists certain passport holders for whom a nil VAC is prescribed; namely, holders of a passport issued by a European Union (EU) member country, as set out in the Schedule.
5. This Instrument gives effect to the Government’s decision of August 2006 to implement a number of initiatives in order to address EU concerns about visa reciprocity for short term visitors. It is consistent with the Government’s public announcement of 17 December 2006 that a nil VAC be made available to EU passport holders from 1 July 2007.
6. Significant consultations were held with Australian agencies, and representatives of the EU and its member states, prior to the Government’s decision of August 2006.
7. The Instrument, IMMI 07/035, commences immediately after the commencement of the Migration Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 4) on 1 July 2007.