EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

PAYMENT OF VISA APPLICATION CHARGES AND FEES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

(PARAGRAPH 5.36(1A)(a))

1. This Instrument is made under paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).

2.                  Paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Regulations provides that the amount in a foreign currency that corresponds to the amount in Australian dollars for payment of a fee or a visa may be specified by Gazette Notice.

3.                  The purpose of the Instrument is to inform DIAC’s offshore clients of the amount in local currency that they should pay in respect of a visa application charge when applying for a visa to enter Australia in a country (whether or not an independent sovereign state) outside Australia and the external territories.

4.                  The Instrument operates to specify amounts of foreign currencies which correspond to the amounts payable for fees in Australian dollars.

5. On advice from my department I consider that, having regard to section 18 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, consultations were not necessary or were inappropriate as this instrument is of a machinery nature and does not substantially alter existing arrangements.

6. The Instrument, IMMI 09/100, commences on 1 January 2010.