EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

PAYMENT OF VISA APPLICATION CHARGES AND FEES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

(REGULATION 5.36(1A)(a))

1.                  This Instrument is made under regulation 1.17 and paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).

2.                  Regulation 1.17 of the Regulations provides that the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, specify matters required by individual provisions of the Regulations to be specified for the purposes of those provisions. 

3.                  Paragraph 5.36(1A)(a) of the Regulations provides that an amount in a foreign currency that corresponds to an amount of a fee in Australian dollars may be specified in the Gazette.

4.                  The purpose of the Instrument is to inform DIMA’s offshore clients of the amount in local currency that they should pay in respect of a visa application charge when applying for a visa to enter Australia in a country (whether or not an independent sovereign state) outside Australia and the external territories.

5.                  The Instrument operates to specify amounts of foreign currencies which correspond to the amounts payable for fees in Australian dollars.

6.         Consultation has been held with all overseas posts to ensure that any requirements or concerns have been addressed.

7.         The Instrument, IMMI 06/039, commences on 1 July 2006.