IMMI05/101

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

TRAVEL AGENTS FOR PRC CITIZENS APPLYING FOR TOURIST VISAS

(REGULATION 1218(1)(b)(iii))

1. This Instrument is made under Regulation 1.17 and Subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).

2.                  Regulation 1.17 is the general power to specify matters by way of Gazette Notice and subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of the Regulations provides that the Minister may specify by Gazette Notice travel agents who can operate Approved Destination Status (ADS) tour groups in Australia.

3.                  The purpose of the Instrument is to seek your agreement to amend the list of Australian travel agents specified in the Gazette Notice.

4.                  As this Instrument may have a direct, or substantial indirect, effect on the Tourism industry, consultation was undertaken with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), Australian Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR) and Tourism Australia (TA).

5.                  The Instrument commences on the date of registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.