EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

PAYMENT OF VISA APPLICATION CHARGES AND FEES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

(REGULATION 5.36(1a)(a))

1. This Notice is made under regulation 1.17 and paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).

2.                  Regulation 1.17 of the Regulations provides that the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, specify matters required by individual provisions of the Regulations to be specified for the purposes of those provisions.  Paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Regulations provides a means of calculating fees in other currencies in amounts corresponding to Australian dollars.

3. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify amounts of foreign currencies which correspond to the amounts payable for fees in Australian dollars.

4. The instrument operates to inform DIMIA’s offshore clients of the amount in local currency that they should pay in respect of a visa application charge when applying for a visa to enter Australia in a country (whether or not an independent sovereign state) other than Australia.

5. Consultation was undertaken before the instrument was made as follows:

• Consultation has been held with all overseas posts to ensure that any requirements or concerns have been addressed.

6. The instrument commences on 1 January 2006.