EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

TRAVEL AGENTS FOR PRC CITIZENS APPLYING FOR TOURIST (CLASS TR) VISAS
(SUBPARAGRAPH 1218(1)(b)(iii))

1. This Instrument is made under subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 to the Regulations provides that to make a valid application for a Tourist (Class TR) visa, applicants who are a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), are in PRC, and are intending to travel to Australia as a member of a tour group, must have their tour organised by a travel agent specified in an Instrument in writing for the subparagraph.
3. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify approved travel agents under subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 to the Regulations.  
4. The Instrument lists, at Schedule 1, the travel agents in Australia, and Schedule 2 to the Instrument lists the travel agents in the PRC, who organise the tours for applicants who are able to lodge Tourist (Class TR) visa applications under the ADS scheme.
5. The Instrument has been amended to add two Australian based agents in Schedule 1 to the Instrument.  The company names of the travel agents who were added are Aihua International Travel Pty Ltd and Honey Trading Pty Ltd.
6. Consultation with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, which manages the ADS Scheme in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, was undertaken in respect of the Australian ADS agents.

7. The Office of Best Practice Regulation has advised that a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required because there is little or no compliance cost on business and no other impacts on business and individuals or on the economy or on competition.

8.                   The Instrument, IMMI 10/070 commences on 18 September 2010.