CLCs Work with Asylum Seekers in Australia

CLCs’ work with Asylum Seekers &

Refugees in AustraliaMigration Agents – Registration

& Volunteering (May 2010)

Part 3 Migration Act

s 276 defines “immigration assistance”:◦ preparing, or helping to prepare, or advising on,

or representing in, the visa application;

s 280 - a person who is not a registered migration agent must not give immigration assistance.

s 288 - An individual may apply to the Migration Agents Registration Authority to be registered as a registered migration agent.

Registration requirement

Migration Agents - Impact Any individual may become a registered Migration Agent;

Profession is regulated by the Migration Agents Registration Authority;

There are some Migration Agents who are reckless, negligent, dishonest, sub-standard, non-professional, over charge, engage in misconduct, etc.

Clients reluctant to make complaints about agents as fear jeopardising visa application;

Clients may also be unaware of Migration Agent’s misconduct, negligence, etc

Solicitors can readily become Registered Migration Agents by:

Attaching to a specialist CLC (eg RACS ); Completing MARA Registration Form; Providing required supporting documents (eg

certified copies of Practising Certificate, etc);

Obtaining AFP Police Check; Paying fee of $160 (if not-for-profit)

Waiting …

[must comply with CPD requirements to renew each year]

Becoming a Registered Migration Agent

Australian Birth or Citizenship Certificate; Practising Certificate Law Degree  Australian Federal Police Check 2 x passport size photos Cheque for $160

Specialist CLC’s Certificate of Incorporation Letter from specialist CLC regarding your role Specialist CLC’s Public Indemnity policy

Documents needed to register

Contact RACS:◦ admin@racs.org.au ◦ melissa.mcadam@racs.org.au

Help with:

◦ Monday night Evening Advice sessions◦ Christmas Island, etc Task Forces◦ ? Provide outreach PV assistance within own CLC

Contact IARC

If interested …