ATTACHMENT F

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

PLACES AND CURRENCIES FOR PAYING FEES

 (PARAGRAPHS 5.36(1)(a) AND 5.36(1)(b))

1. This Notice is made under Regulation 1.17 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.

Paragraphs 5.36(1)(a) and 5.36(1)(b) of the Regulations provide that payment of a fee, other than a visa application charge mentioned in subregulation (3A), must be made in a place, being Australia or a foreign country (whether or not an independent foreign state), that is specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) by Gazette Notice; and in a currency that is specified for the purposes of paragraph (b) by Gazette Notice as a currency in which a fee may be paid in that place.

3.                  The purpose of the Instrument is to specify the places in which payment of a fee must be made and the currency in which a fee may be paid in that place.

4.                  The instrument operates to inform DIMIA’s offshore clients which currency touse to pay a visa application charge when applying, in a country other than Australia,  for a visa to enter 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.