EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
SPECIFIED COUNTRIES
(PARAGRAPH 2.25A(1)(b))
- This Instrument is made under paragraph 2.25A(1)(b) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Paragraph 2.25A(1)(b) of the Regulations provides that in determining whether an applicant satisfies the criteria for the grant of a visa, the Minister must seek the opinion of a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth as to whether the person meets certain requirements of Schedule 4, unless the application is for a permanent visa that is made from a country that is a country specified by Gazette Notice.
3. The purpose of the Instrument is to extend Local Clearance to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan.
4. The Instrument operates to include the PRC and Taiwan in the list of countries which are able to clear the reports of chest x-rays and medical examinations undertaken for the purpose of meeting Australia’s health requirement. As a result, visa applicants from the PRC and Taiwan will benefit from streamlined visa processing where the chest x-rays and medical examinations indicate that the applicant does not have a disease or condition that is likely to pose a health risk, or significant cost to Australians, or affect the access of Australians to health services or procedures that are in short supply.
5. Pursuant to section 18 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 consultation was not necessary. The Instrument is of a minor or machinery nature and does not substantially alter existing arrangements.
6. The Instrument, IMMI 08/013, commences on the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.