Migration Regulations 1994 - Specification of Classes of Persons - IMMI 14/035

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

CLASSES OF PERSONS

(Subparagraphs 1236(1)(a)(ii), 1236(1)(b)(ii) and 1236(1)(c)(ii))

1. This Instrument is made under subparagraphs 1236(1)(a)(ii), 1236(1)(b)(ii) and 1236(1)(c)(ii) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’). It revokes Instrument IMMI 13/135, (F2013L01880), signed on 28 October 2013.
    
2. The purpose of the Instrument is to allow the Minister to specify which classes of people are eligible to make an application via the internet for a subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Tourist, Sponsored Family or Business visitor stream.
    
3. The Instrument operates by specifying classes of persons who are eligible to make an application for a subclass 600 (Visitor) visa via the internet on form 1419 (Internet). The Instrument has been amended to include Schedule 9 which provides online access to passport holders who apply outside Australia for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Tourist, Sponsored Family or Business Visitor stream. It makes the same provision for passport holders of passports indicating that they are nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (British National (Overseas)), Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kiribati, Lebanon, Macau, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Yemen.
   
4. Persons who do not fall into a class specified in the Instrument are not able to lodge a valid application for a subclass 600 (Visitor) visa on form 1419 (Internet).
    
5. Pursuant to subsection 18(1) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 consultation was not necessary. The Instrument is of a minor or machinery nature and does not substantially alter existing arrangements.
    
6. The Office of Best Practice Regulation has advised that a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required (OBPR Reference 16837).
    
7. Under section 44 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 the Instrument is exempt from disallowance and therefore a Human Rights Statement of Compatibility is not required.

8. This Instrument, IMMI 14/035, commences on 9 May 2014.