EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

(Paragraph 2.12C(7)(a) and subregulation 2.12C(8))

VISAS ATTRACTING A NON-INTERNET APPLICATION CHARGE

1. This Instrument is made under paragraph 2.12C(7)(a) and subregulation 2.12C(8) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations).
2. Paragraph 2.12C(7)(a) of the Regulations provides that the non-Internet application charge is payable by an applicant for a visa if the visa is specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph.
3. Subregulation 2.12C(8) of the Regulations provides that the Non-Internet Application Charge is not payable by an applicant in a circumstance specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation.
4. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify the visas that will attract the non-Internet application charge and the circumstances where it would not be payable.
5. The instrument operates to specify exemptions, for applicants for specified visas, from paying the Non-Internet Application Charge.

6. In relation to the Visa Pricing Transformation (VPT) project, the department, key government agencies and stakeholders have been consulted and briefed on the VPT implementation milestones to date and plans for future implementation initiatives. The key agencies include the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, the Department of Finance and Deregulation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Human Services and the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

7. The Office of Best Practice Regulation has advised that a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required (OBPR Reference 14523).

8. Under section 44 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 the Instrument is exempt from disallowance and therefore a Human Rights Statement of Compatibility is not required.

9. The Instrument, IMMI 13/069, commences on 1 July 2013, immediately after the commencement of the Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charge and Related Matters) Regulation 2013.