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  Australian Immigration Law Update No. 60, May 2006

 

In this issue we begin with a special report from Nicholas McNally on the Senate inquiry into the operation of the Migration Act. We also feature recent developments concerning student visas, skilled migration, and other immigration news. Next month we plan to feature asylum seeker issues, in honour of World Refugee Day on June 20.

 

Senate report: "Administration and Operation of the Migration Act 1958"

by Nicholas McNally, Senior Associate

The Report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee inquiry into the "Administration and Operation of the Migration Act 1958" has been released.
 
David Bitel and Nicholas McNally of Parish Patience Immigration lawyers gave evidence in person to the inquiry. The report is a huge document, in all over 500 pages long. The committee has made 62 recommendations. The government is not likely to take up all of the committee's recommendations.
 
Whilst the recommendations, if taken up, would result in some improvements, and it is noted that the committee recommends a further inquiry by the Australian Law Reform Commission, overall they do not go far enough in reinstating the rule of law through the provision of natural justice and truly independent administrative merits review tribunals.
 
There remain real issues about the independence of RRT and MRT members who are appointed on fixed term contracts by the Minister for Immigration, but where the contracts are open to renewal at the Minister's discretion (in contrast to the AAT whose members are appointed by the Attorney-General). These tribunals purport to be independent tribunals with the task of undertaking merits review of visa refusals by the same Minister who employs them.
 
There also remain real concerns about the procedures in these merits review tribunals, being inquisitorial administrative tribunals, before which the common law natural justice hearing rule is expressly excluded (Ss 357A & 422B) and replaced by a hopelessly inferior codified process (Ss 359A(3) & 424A(3)).
 
These factors, coupled with the fact that the tribunals' decisions are immune from ordinary judicial review by the privative clause provision of section 474, have culminated in a manifest decline in the standards of justice and decision making in the RRT, and to a lesser extent, the MRT. Since section 474 came into effect on 2 October 2001, but only recognised since the February 2003 High Court decision in Plaintiff S157 of 2002 v Cwth (2003) 211 CLR 476 (a Parish Patience case), our Federal courts have only had the power to review migration decisions if they are infected with "jurisdictional error of law". That is a very narrow window of review, through which most unsuccessful applicants cannot steer their case.
 
Meanwhile, politicians stand behind the unappealable findings of fact made by these tribunals through an inherently unfair and notoriously unreliable process. "So and so has been found not to be a genuine refugee..." they declare in justification for all sorts of terrible treatment of people. We remain concerned about the lack of due process and procedural fairness in this country's migration regime.
 
There are still many bends in the tunnel for migrants, and no light gets through. This is especially so for asylum seekers in Australia.
 
Additional information:

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Legislation Update

Commonwealth Bills

Following is a summary of pending legislation as at 10 May 2006. Information on pending Bills is updated daily on the Parliament's BillsNet service.
  • Migration Amendment (Employer Sanctions) Bill 2006 - introduced into Parliament 29 March 2006; Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee report tabled 9 May 2006. Additional information:
     
  • Australian Citizenship Bills - Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee report released 27 February 2006. The Government has announced that it is 'highly unlikely' that the changes will be finalised before 1 July 2006.
     
    Additional information:
  • Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 - introduced into Parliament 11 May 2006. The Bill follows the Government's announcement of 13 April that it would extend the regime which currently applies to people who arrive on Australian islands (offshore entry people) to all unauthorised arrivals by sea, including those on the mainland.
    • "Minister Seeks To Strengthen Border Measures," Immigration Minister's media release, 11 May 2006
       
  • Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Electoral Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2005 - introduced in House of Representatives on 8 December 2005. The Bill changes the rules regarding tax deductibility of gifts and contributions to political parties. Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee report tabled 28 March 2006.
  • Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Act 2005 No. 153 - assented to 14 December 2005; the bulk of the Act commenced in March 2006. We hope to feature workers' rights, and in particular migrant workers' rights, in a future issue of our Newsletter.
     
  • Taxation Laws Amendment (2006 Measure No 1) Act 2006 No 32 - assented to 6 April 2006. This Act provides that holders of a temporary visa will not be taxed on foreign source income; also, capital gains taxation of temporary residents will be aligned with non-residents. According to the Treasurer, Mr Costello, the changes will significantly reduce administrative and compliance costs.
    • "Enhancing the foreign income tax arrangements for temporary residents," Treasurer's media release, 16 February 2006
       
  • Legislation proposed for Winter sitting of Parliament
     
    The following are proposed for introduction in upcoming sittings of Parliament:
    • Migration Amendment Bill - broaden the ability of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to disclose movement records for the benefit of the person to whom the record relates; create a visa for maritime crews
    • Migration Amendment (Visa Integrity) Bill - strengthen provisions in relation to the integrity of the visa programme
    • Migration Legislation Amendment (Border Integrity) Bill - amend the Migration Act 1958 to strengthen provisions in relation to border integrity; and amend the Customs Act 1901 to ensure that the same reporting obligations exist under both migration and customs legislation
    • Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill - restructure, refocus and rename the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
       
      Source: Prime Minister & Cabinet
       

United Kingdom

Graeme Kirk, of Gross & Co Solicitors in London and Suffolk, has contributed an article to our website, explaining the forthcoming changes in UK immigration law. Mr Kirk is a solicitor agent of Parish Patience Immigration in the UK.

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Business, skilled, students & working holiday makers

Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)

A revised Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) came into effect on 28 March 2006. Sixteen additional trades have been added to the list, and no trades or professions have been deleted. The MODL now comprises 34 professional occupations, five ICT specialisations and 42 trade occupations. Additional information:
  • "Australian government revises MODL to reflect changing labour market for tradespeople," Joint media release, 28 March 2006 (includes full list and ASCO codes)
     
    Applicants and employers interested in skilled or business migration are invited to contact us.
     

2006-07 Migration Program

On 1 May, the Government announced its 2006-07 Non-humanitarian Migration Program. The total migration (non-humanitarian) programme for 2006-07 will be in the range of 134,000 to 144,000 places. This will comprise 97,500 places in the Skill Stream (which is the same as its 2005-06 level) and 46,000 places in the Family Stream (a modest increase).
 
Additional information:

General skilled migration review

The Immigration Minister, Senator Vanstone, has announced planned changes to the general skilled migration categories for the later half of 2006 and first half of 2007.
  • English language proficiency - increase the base level of English language proficiency which must be demonstrated by applicants for general skilled migration visas
  • Bonus points for English - increase the allocation of bonus points to applicants who achieve English language scores at above the base level
  • Work experience - place greater emphasis on skilled work experience as a factor in the points test. This means that many former overseas students, who are currently exempt from work experience requirements when applying for general skilled migration, will require some skilled work experience in order to qualify for skilled migration.
  • Former overseas students - work experience or professional year - there will be temporary visa mechanisms to enable former overseas students to gain skilled work experience or undertake a professional year in Australia.
     
    Overseas students who graduate in Australia with a tertiary degree will be able to apply for an 18-month work visa in Australia. "Many will use this to obtain skilled work experience in Australia and subsequently qualify for skilled migration visas," Senator Vanstone said. The Minister also said that she will be introducing a new initiative aimed at attracting graduates from high-calibre overseas universities who have studied in disciplines in which Australia has skill shortages.
     
    Additional information:
     
    • "Evaluation of general skilled migration categories," Immigration Minister's media release, 8 May 2006
    • "Working Holiday visa enhancements a boost for backpackers and regional employers," Immigration Minister's media release, 9 May 2006
    • "General skilled migration programme - increased emphasis on English and work experience," 2006-07 Budget fact sheet, 9 May 2006
       
  • The changes were announced in conjunction with the release of a report, Evaluation of the General Skilled Migration Categories. The 300-page report is an independent study of the skilled migration program, including overseas student graduates, including comparisons of Australia's program with those of Canada and New Zealand.
      It is important to note that the law changes have not yet been finalised. We will update our website as new information becomes available.
     
    We invite foreign students and other interested in skilled migration to     contact us.

Regional migration

  • Postcodes defining regional Australia for certain visas
     
    Effective 12 April 2006, the Government has amended the list of regional certifying bodies and post codes defining regional Australia. Additional postcodes in metropolitan Melbourne have been deleted from the definition of 'regional area' for the purposes of business long stay (subclass 457) and regional sponsored migration.
     
    Specification - Regional Certifying Bodies and Post Codes Defining Regional Australia for Certain Visas (Comlaw), registered 12 April 2006
     
  • 1 July changes to subclass 139 visa regime
     
    Last year the Government announced that it will amend the rules for Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Visa (subclass 139) in mid-2006. Skilled migrants sponsored by families living in designated areas will need to live in the same designated area as their family sponsor for a minimum of 2 years and work in the designated area for at least 1 year.
     
    If you currently have a subclass 139 visa application pending, or are thinking sponsoring a relative, we encourage you to contact David Bitel as soon as possible.
     
    Additional information: DIMIA Factsheet, May 2005
     

New minimum salaries

The minimum salary that employers must pay temporary skilled workers in Australia has been increased. The new minimum salary level for most professions is $41,850, from 3 May 2006. In announcing the change, the Immigration Minister, Senator Vanstone, said she believed the vast majority of employers were in fact paying well above the minimum salaries. 'In fact, the average salary of business long stay visa holders - commonly referred to as 457 visas - is currently $65,000,' the Minister said.
 
In the information technology sector, the minimum salary level for workers is now $57,300 - set following consultation with the ICT industry.
 
For highly skilled senior managers applying for permanent migration, which does not require an assessment of skills, the minimum salary has been increased to $165,000 a year.
 
Additional information:

Good practice guide for assessment and recognition of overseas qualifications and skills

The Australian Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) has released an updated Good practice guide for the assessment and recognition of overseas qualifications and skills for the purposes of migration.
 
The Guide focuses on processes for the assessment of professional qualifications for the purposes of general skilled migration. According to the Guide's introduction, the Guide may also assist organisations engaged in the assessment of overseas qualifications and skills for other purposes, such as assessments for employment or further study in Australia.

Inquiry into skills recognition, upgrading and licensing

In April 2005 the Minister for Immigration, Senator Vanstone, asked the Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Migration to inquire into skills recognition, upgrading and licensing. The Inquiry continues, with recent public hearings in Perth, and more than 100 submissions received from assessing bodies, professional associations and other interested parties.

Children born to temporary visa holders

Diana Tong wishes to advise readers of the following issue:
  • If you are a temporary visa holder - such as 457 visa or student visa - and you have a child born in Australia
     
    If you are a temporary visa holder - such as 457 visa or student visa - and you have a child born in Australia, you need to attend the Department of Immigration to register the birth. The child must be properly issued an Australian visa.
     
    It is not sufficient to merely report to the consulate general of your home country, or to obtain a birth certificate. The child will not be issued an Australian visa unless you attend a DIMA office.
     
    Failing to register the child with DIMA can create problems in future when you wish to renew the family's visas.
     
    For additional information, we invite you to contact Diana Tong.
     

Same sex partners of business long stay visa holders

Effective 1 July 2006, same-sex partners of temporary skilled migrants (business long stay - 457 visa) will be recognised for migration purposes.
 
There is still no provision for recognition of same sex relationships for other visa classes, e.g. student visas and skilled migration. The new arrangements will apply to other categories of skilled migrants and students in future.
  • "Recognition for Same Sex Partners of Skilled Migrants and Students," Immigration Minister's media release, 6 March 2006
     
    For additional information, we invite you to contact David Bitel
     

Working Holiday Makers

  • Extended backpacker visas (working holiday makers)
     
    The Minister for Immigration, Senator Vanstone, has announced several changes to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) programme:
     
    • From 1 July backpackers who work in primary industries such as fishing, pearling, shearing, butchery and forestry, will be able to apply for a 12-month extension on their Working Holiday Maker visa.
    • All WHM visa holders will be allowed to work for the same employer for six months (currently 3 months).
    • WHM visa holders will be allowed to study for four months instead of the current three months. Senator Vanstone said the extra study time will particularly benefit working holiday makers who are considering fulltime work or study in Australia, such as nurses wanting to upgrade their skills to Australian standards.
       
    This is an expansion of the seasonal harvest work program announced last year. Additional information:
     
    • "Working holiday visa enhancements a boost for backpackers and regional employers," Immigration Minister's media release, 9 May 2006
    • "Rural and regional industries to benefit from visa extension," Immigration Minister's media release, 3 May 2006
    • "Visas - new work and holiday arrangements," 2006-07 Budget fact sheet, 9 May 2006
    • "Overseas students, backpackers urged to attend skills expos," Immigration Minister's media release, 4 May 2006
    • Working Holidays (DIMA)
       
  • Work and holiday arrangements - additional countries
     
    • Specification - Arrangements for Work and Holiday Visa Applicants from Thailand, Iran and Chile - March 2006
       
    • Australia-Bangladesh work and holiday visa
       
      The Immigration Minister has announced a new Work and Holiday visas for young Bangladeshis wishing to travel and work in Australia.
       
      It is important to note that the new arrangements are not yet in place, and that there will be a limit of 100 visas each year. It is also our understanding that applicants will need the sponsorship or support of the relevant government authority in Bangladesh. Additional information:
       
      "Australia and Bangladesh agree to work visa," Immigration Minister's media release, 8 March 2006

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Refugees & asylum seekers

2006-07 Humanitarian Program

The 2006-07 Humanitarian Program has been released, to comprise an intake of 13,000 refugees. Of the 13,000 places, 6000 will be allocated for refugees referred to Australia for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] and 7000 places for the Special Humanitarian Program [SHP] and protection visas.
  • "Another 13,000 refugees to call Australia home," Immigration Minister's media release, 2 May 2006
     

Refugee Council of Australia

Paul Power has been appointed as the new CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia. David Bitel has retired as President of the Refugee Council of Australia. John Gibson, a Melbourne barrister and author of Judicial Review of Refugee and Migration decisions - Grounds and Principles of Review, is the new President of the RCOA. Mr Bitel now serves as Immediate Past President.

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Other Recent News

New arrangements for visa applications in Manila

DIMA at the Australian Embassy in Manila has announced the opening of a walk-in Visa Information & Application (VIA) Center on 16 May 2006.
  • The VIA Center provides people in the Philippines with an additional way of accessing information about Australian immigration and visas and lodging visa applications, while retaining all existing service options. The VIA Center, operated by DIMA's contracted provider PIASI, allows people to obtain information and to lodge visa applications personally. No prior appointments are needed to attend the VIA Center.
  • The VIA Center has computer facilities and provides free internet browsing for visa and citizenship clients on DIMA's websites. Clients may also, for a small charge, download forms and information.
  • Clients generally need to lodge applications either at the VIA, by courier, or by appointment at the Embassy - although some applications must by law be lodged in Australia.
  • The Center is located at:
     
    Unit 1003, 10/F One Corporate Plaza
    845 Antonio Arnaiz Ave (Pasay Rd)
    Makati City
  • The Center opening hours are:
     
    9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday - For lodging applications
    9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - For general information
    The Center will be closed on Philippines public holidays
In related news, the Australian Government is staging a two-day Skilled Migration Expo in Manila on 17 & 18 May 2006, specifically designed to target migrants who have skills that will contribute to the Australian economy.

2006-07 Budget report

The Australian Government released its 2006-07 Budget on Tuesday 9 May. Changes relating to the skilled migration program, students and working holiday makers are summarised above. A number of other changes relevant to immigration policy were announced, including:
  • Family stream
     
    DIMA will increase the number of partner visa places in the 2006-07 Migration (Non-Humanitarian) Programme by up to 4,000. Government assistance is provided for in the 2006-07 Budget, through Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit and, in exceptional circumstances, Special Benefit, to this additional number of people.
     
    • "Migration programme - increase in the family stream," Budget 2006-07 fact sheet, 9 May 2006
    • Migration Programme - 4,000 place increase in the family stream for 2006-07, FaCSIA media release, 9 May 2006
       
  • Detention and compliance
     
    Media releases and budget fact sheets relating to detention and compliance:
     
    • Palmer and Comrie reports guide DIMA's budget
    • Closing detention facilities saves $78 million
    • Immigration compliance activities - enhancement
    • Offshore processing strategy - Nauru
    • Prospective illegal immigrants - arrangements in transit countries
    • Detention services - implementation of review
    • Long-term detention health services delivery strategy - implementation
    • Identity security - establishing new strike teams
    • Bridging visa review - implementation
    • Border protection safeguards system - continuation
    • Systems for people - ensuring well trained and supported [DIMA] staff
       
  • Multicultural policy
     
    Media releases and budget fact sheets relating to multicultural policy and migrant support:
     
    • Australia's cultural diversity receives funding boost
    • Multicultural policy and programmes - continuation of funding
    • Living in harmony initiative - enhancement
      • Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) - additional funding
       
  • Increased court and tribunal funding
     
    The Attorney-General, Mr Ruddock, has announced that five additional Federal Magistrates will be appointed, along with an increase in general federal fees in the Federal Magistrates Court and the Federal Court. Additional funding was also announced for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, to enable it to continue to finalise reviews in a short time frame.
    • "Increased access to justice," Attorney-General's media release, 9 May 2006
       
  • Links to additional Budget information
     

Easier access to superannuation for temporary residents

The Australian Taxation Office advises that the temporary residents departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) website has been redeveloped to make it easier to use. Additional information:

HREOC same sex same entitlements inquiry

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission launched 'Same-Sex: Same Entitlements': A National Inquiry into Discrimination against People in Same-Sex Relationships Regarding Financial and Work-Related Benefits and Entitlements on 3 April 2006. Closing date for submissions is 2 June 2006.
 
Discussion paper, terms of reference, and how to make a submission: www.hreoc.gov.au/samesex/index.html
 

MyLanguage government information portal

Australian state and territory library services have joined forces to create a national portal for multicultural Australians: www.mylanguage.gov.au.
 
The new portal will provide information links to search engines, web directories, government websites, digital library projects and syndicated news headlines, all available in more than sixty languages other than English.
 

New statistical publications

Recently published by DIMA Statistics Section:

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Recent Caselaw

High Court

Special Leave Granted and Decisions Reserved
(High Court Bulletin, April 2006)
 
  • MIMIA v Nystrom (M5/2006) Immigration - Decision to cancel transitional (permanent) visa on character grounds - Where appellant arrived in Australia aged 27 days old - Where Minister failed to consider whether appellant held absorbed person visa - Where Minister failed to consider effect of cancellation on absorbed person visa. Appealed from FCA FC (2005) 143 FCR 420. Date heard: 12 April 2006. Judgment reserved.
     
  • Koroitamana an infant by her next friend Sereana Naikelekele & Anor v Commonwealth of Australia & Anor (S225/2005) Constitutional law - Constitution, s 51(xix) - Applicant children born in Australia - Whether person born in Australia who is not a foreign citizen or a subject of a foreign power and who is not an Australian citizen within the meaning of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 (Cth) is an alien for the purposes of s 51(xix) of the Constitution - Whether Migration Act 1958 (Cth) capable of valid application to the applicants. Appealed from FCA FC (2005) 142 FCR 391. Date heard: 5 April 2006. Judgment reserved.
     
  • STCB v MIMIA & Anor (A31/2005)
     
    Immigration - whether applicant a refugee - Albanian national - claim based on fear of revenge killing under blood feud - particular social group - whether the social group is family group or wider group - family as social group - whether applicant's fear of persecution to be disregarded under s 91S of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Appealed from FCA FC. Date heard: 10 February 2006. Special leave granted.
     
  • SZAYW v MIMIA (S423/2005)
     
    Immigration - conduct of Refugee Review Tribunal hearing - requirement in s 429 of Migration Act 1958 (Cth) that hearing must be "in private" - meaning of hearing "in private" - respondent one of four applicants for protection visa whose claims based on shared experiences - where all four requested the same Tribunal member be allocated to them - appellant's evidence given in presence of two other applicants and inconsistencies discussed with all four applicants together - whether hearing was "in private" - whether appellant waived right to full observance of hearing rule. Date heard: 10 February 2006. Special leave granted.
     
  • MIMIA v QAAH of 2004 & Anor (B73/2005) Immigration - Refugees - Application for permanent protection visa - Temporary visa granted - Application for permanent visa subsequently rejected - Proper approach to a case of possible cessation of refugee status - Whether failure to properly address cessation issue amounts to jurisdictional error - Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Art 1C(5) - Whether Art 1C(5) means that a person who is once recognised as having a well-founded fear of being persecuted for a Convention reason remains a ‘refugee’ within the meaning of the Convention even when he no longer holds such fear - Whether Art 1C(5) operates by its terms according to changing circumstances or must be invoked by Contracting State in order to operate - Burden of proof. Appealed from FCA FC (2005) 145 FCR 363; (2005) 223 ALR 494. Date heard: 16 December 2005. Special leave granted.
     

Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal

  • MOU between DIMIA and Tribunals
     
    On 21 December 2005, the Secretary of DIMIA, Mr Metcalfe, announced that visa appeals processes will be further streamlined under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DIMIA and the principal member of the MRT and the RRT, Mr Karas. According to the media release:
     
    "The MOU recognises the tribunals' role in conducting independent merit reviews of visa-related decisions; sets out liaison arrangements between the agencies; recognises the statutory responsibilities of each agency; and, provides for efficient and timely exchange of information through DIMIA and MRT/RRT information technology systems.
     
    "'DIMIA is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in all its dealings with its clients,' Mr Metcalfe said.
     
    "'This MOU will further streamline visa appeals processes, and ultimately we expect will lead to reviews that are fair to all parties concerned,' Mr Metcalfe added."

     
    Additional information:
     

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Staff & website news

Staff movements

  • David Bitel's secretary, Mrs Zinnia Belen, is on maternity leave. We wish Zinnia and family all the best as they enjoy the new addition to their family.
     
    Mrs Asha d'Silva is acting as Mr Bitel's secretary in Zinnia's absence. Asha is fluent in English and Hindi.

Overseas consultations

In the near future several of our professionals will be available for consultations overseas. We are able to give advice to applicants for all categories of migration to Australia and also for student visas. Applicants for most categories must have English language fluency and need to be aged under 35 years, unless sponsored by relatives.
 
Our staff also regularly travel interstate, including to Melbourne and Canberra, for consultations.
  • Vietnam: Thong Nguyen and David Bitel will present a seminar, "Australian Immigration Law Overview," in Ho Chi Minh City - mid-May 2006
     
  • China: Diana Tong will attend DIMA jobs expo in Shanghai - mid-May 2006
     
  • Philippines: David Bitel will be available to see prospective clients in Manila - 11 & 12 June and 4 & 5 August 2006
     
    Prospective applicants should contact our Immigration Enquiries for an appointment, or ring tel +61 2 9286 8700. A consultation fee will apply.
     

Seminars & conferences

  • On 23 November 2005, David Bitel presented a speech to the NSW Friends of Hebrew University in honour of World Human Rights Day. Mr Bitel's speech is now available on our articles page.
     
  • Also in November 2005, David Bitel presented a paper at the International Bar Association Business Immigration Conference in London: "The culture of control: the misuse of detention under Australian Immigration Law."
     
  • On 15 March 2006, Nicholas McNally and Nigel Dobbie presented a seminar on Recent Developments in Immigration Law to NSW Young Lawyers.
     
    Mr McNally spoke about refugee law, and Mr Dobbie addressed judicial review of student visa cancellations.
     
  • On 3 May 2006, David Bitel spoke at a forum sponsored by A Just Australia: "Closed Hearts, Closed Borders."
     
  • Nigel Dobbie will present two papers - Student Visa Conditions and Cancellations, and The Character Test, to the Migration Institute of Australia on 31 May and 1 June 2006.
     
  • David Bitel will attend the International Bar Association Conference in Chicago USA in September 2006, where he will also present a paper.
     

New on our website

Diary Dates

  • May 2006: Thong Nguyen and David Bitel will present a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City. For more information, contact Thong Nguyen.
  • May 2006: Diana Tong will attend DIMA jobs expo in Shanghai. For more information, contact Ms Tong's secretary, Libby Horth.
  • May 17-18, 2006: DIMA jobs expo in Manila. More information: www.philippines.embassy.gov.au.
  • May 31, 2006: "Student visa conditions and cancellations" - Migration Institute of Australia Level 2 seminar for migration agents, to be presented by Nigel Dobbie. More information: www.mia.org.au
  • June 1, 2006: "The Character test" - Migration Institute of Australia Level 3 seminar for migration agents, to be presented by Nigel Dobbie. More information: www.mia.org.au
  • June 11 & 12, 2006: David Bitel consultations in Manila. For more information, contact Mr Bitel's secretary, Asha d'Silva.
  • June 12, 2006: Queen's Birthday public holiday - our offices will be closed.
  • June 12, 2006: Philippines Independence Day.
  • June 20, 2006: World Refugee Day. More information: www.unhcr.org
  • August 4 & 5, 2006: David Bitel consultations in Manila. For more information, contact Mr Bitel's secretary, Asha d'Silva.
  • September 17-22, 2006: International Bar Association Conference, Chicago USA. David Bitel will attend and present a paper. More information: www.ibanet.org.
  • Refugee Council of Australia Coming Events
  • HREOC events calendar
  • United Nations Association of Australia 'Diary Dates'
     
    Reader contributions of upcoming events may also be submitted to the Editor.

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Quote of the Month


 
"A law is valuable not because it is a law, but because there is right in it."
-- Henry Ward Beecher

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Contact Us

Parish Patience Immigration
Lawyers
Level 1, State Street Centre
338 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW  2000
Australia 
 
Tel:  +61 2 9286 8700
Fax: +61 2 9283 3323
 
Email:
 
Contact and enquiry form

 
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Migration Agents Registration Numbers 9255523, 9359088, 9370721,
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Copyright © Parish Patience Immigration 2006. All rights reserved.
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In this issue:

Senate Report: Administration and operation of the Migration Act

Nicholas McNally's report on the Senate inquiry into the operation of the Migration Act more >>

Legislation update

Citizenship Bill, UK changes, more >>

Business, skilled, students & working holiday makers

New MODL, 2006-07 Budget announcements, more >>

Refugees & asylum seekers

Humanitarian program, more >>

Other recent news

2006-07 Budget report, new arrangements for Manila, more >>

Recent case law

High Court, more >>

Staff & website news

Diary dates

Quote of the month

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Contact Us:

Parish Patience Immigration
Lawyers
Level 1, State Street Centre
338 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia 
Tel: +61 2 9286 8700
Fax: +61 2 9283 3323
Email:

Contact and enquiry form

Disclaimer

The contents of this newsletter are not intended to be legal advice. Parish Patience Immigration accepts no responsibility for any action taken in reliance on anything contained in the newsletter. Individuals should seek advice about their own circumstances only from a registered migration agent.