EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
CLASSES OF PERSONS
(SUBSUBPARAGRAPH 1218(2)(a)(i)(B))
- This Instrument is made under subsubparagraph 1218(2)(a)(i)(B) of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Subsubparagraph 1218(2)(a)(i)(B) provides that for applicants in classes of persons specified in an Instrument in writing, a visa application charge (VAC) of nil will apply.
3. The purpose of this Instrument is to specify which classes of persons are entitled to a nil VAC for a Tourist (Subclass 676) visa. This Instrument revokes previous Instrument
IMMI 07/052 and provides the requirements to be met for registered Arafura Games participants to be eligible for a nil VAC.
4. This Instrument operates to specify two classes of persons who are eligible for a nil VAC:
- Holders of a passport issued by an EU member country, as mentioned in the Schedule to the Instrument, who are outside Australia and lodge an application on the internet for a Tourist (Class TR) visa for the duration of three months or less.
- Registered Arafura Games participants. The Arafura Games are scheduled to be held in Darwin from 7-14 May 2011.
5. This Instrument gives effect to:
- the Government’s decision of August 2006, to implement a number of initiatives in order to address EU concerns about visa reciprocity for short term visitors.
- the decision of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship that a nil VAC be made available to registered Arafura Games participants in 2011.
6. Consultation has taken place between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Northern Territory Government regarding immigration issues relating to the Arafura Games in 2011.
7. A Preliminary Assessment for this proposed change has been sent to the Office of Best Practice Regulation, and they have 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 (OBPR Reference 2010/12176).
8. The Instrument, IMMI 10/080, commences on 15 February 2011.