EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
ORGANISATIONS THAT MAY SPONSOR SHORT STAY BUSINESS VISITORS
(PARAGRAPH 459.214(c))
- This Instrument is made under paragraph 459.214(c) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Paragraph 459.214(c) of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides that an applicant for a Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) (Subclass 459) visa may be sponsored by an organisation specified in a Gazette Notice for the purposes of that paragraph.
3. Section 56 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 provides that, in certain circumstances, registration of a legislative instrument on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments replaces the requirement that a notice be published in the Gazette.
4. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify the organisations that may sponsor an applicant for a Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa.
5. The Instrument operates to remove certain organisations from the previously specified list of organisations that may sponsor short stay business visitors to come to Australia to undertake genuine business-related activities. These are organisations that have a low usage rate or have serious integrity concerns. This forms part of the Department’s review of the subclass 459 visa program to ensure program efficiency and integrity.
6. The Instrument operates to add a small number of organisations from the previously specified list of organisations that may sponsor short stay business visitors to come to Australia to undertake genuine business-related activities.
7. The Instrument also operates to amend the name of Australian - Filipino Chamber of Commerce (QLD) Incorporated to Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated, and Gulfx Ltd to Syngas.
8. Consultation was not necessary as, under section 18(1) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, the Instrument is of a minor or machinery nature and does not substantially alter existing arrangements
9. 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 [ID number: 12059].
10. The Instrument, number IMMI 10/092, commences on 15 February 2011.