Australia to make re-registration easier for agents

Earlier this week, Emigrate2 reported how the NZ Government is looking to further regulate the registration for immigration agents. Australia has now also announced that it will make changes to its advice-giving industry – namely by making it easier for agents to re-register.

 

The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Michaelia Cash, announced that the re-registration of migration agents would be simplified by removing the English language proficiency requirement for all re-registering agents.

 

Minister Cash said simplifying the re-registration process will save the sector time and money. She also explained that she was not satisfied that the former government’s decision to impose an additional burden on re-registering agents by requiring them to demonstrate their English language competency was supported by evidence.

 

“It is clear from my consultations that industry stakeholders were concerned by the detrimental impact this measure would have had on experienced agents” Minister Cash said.

The Minister also stated that she would now consider a broader review of the migration advice industry including English language requirement for migration agents entering the profession.

 

“Given the role played by the migration advice industry in the delivery of Australia’s migration programme, it is important it maintains high standards and continues to develop professionally,” she said.

 

All visa applicants who are looking to use an immigration agent to help their emigration dreams come true are strongly advised to only use an agent or agency who is a member of MARA – Migration Agents Registration Authority. A full list of registered agents can be found on the MARA website: www.mara.gov.au

 

Article published 10th December 2013

Australian Citizenship Ceremony

Source: abc.net.au