CLCs Work with Asylum
Seekers in Australia
Migration Agents – Registration
& Volunteering
(May 2010)
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Part 3 Migration Act
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s 276 defines “immigration assistance”:
◦ preparing, or helping to prepare, or advising on, or
representing in, the visa application;
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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.
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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:
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Attaching to a specialist CLC (eg RACS );
Completing MARA Registration Form;
Providing required supporting documents
certified copies of Practising Certificate, etc);
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Obtaining AFP Police Check;
Paying fee of $160 (if not-for-profit)
Waiting …
[must comply with CPD requirements to renew each year]
(eg
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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
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Contact RACS:
◦ [email protected]
◦ [email protected]
Help with:
◦ Monday night Evening Advice sessions
◦ Christmas Island, etc Task Forces
◦ ? Provide outreach PV assistance within own CLC
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Contact IARC