EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

TRAVEL AGENTS FOR PRC CITIZENS APPLYING FOR TOURIST 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 where Tourist visa (subclass 676) applicants from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) intend to travel to Australia as a member of tour group, the tour must be organised by a travel agent specified in an instrument in writing.
3. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify approved travel agents for the purposes of subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 to the Regulations.
4. The Instrument lists, at Schedule 1, the travel agents in Australia who are approved to escort PRC tour groups who travel to Australia under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme. Schedule 2 to the Instrument lists the travel agents in the PRC who are able to lodge Tourist visa applications under the ADS scheme.
5. The Instrument has been amended to add three China based agents in Schedule 2 to the Instrument and to remove two Australian based agents in Schedule 1 to the Instrument.
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’s Business Cost Calculator and Assessment Checklists were used to determine that there was no compliance cost on business or impact on competition in relation to this instrument. 

8.                   The Instrument, IMMI 10/034 commences on 18 June 2010.