Senator Hanson-Young has successfully disallowed the motion against the Migration Amendment (Repeal of Certain Visa Classes) Regulation 2014, as contained in Select Legislative Instrument 2014 No. 65 [F2014L00622], made under the Migration Act 1958.

This means that  non-contributory parent and other family visas, including Carer, Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative can now be lodged again.

From 25 September 2014, the following visa subclasses are open to new applications:

• Parent visa (subclass 103)
• Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
• Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclasses 114 and 838)
• Remaining Relative visa (subclasses 115 and 835)
• Carer visa (subclasses 116 and 836).

The DIBP website is reporting extensive queues for these visas:

• Non-Contributory Parent visa – approximately 30 years
• Carer visa – approximately 4.5 years
• Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative – approximately 56 years

 

More information here.

The report of the 4-month independent review into integrity in the 457 programme was published today.

There are 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening integrity of the programme and ensuring that business sponsors for 457 visa holders do not discriminate against Australian workers.
The

The four-person panel conducted extensive consultations across Australia, read 189 submissions and met over 150 stakeholders around the country.

The government has not yet provided a detailed response.

A copy of the report, Robust New Foundations: A Streamlined, Transparent and Responsive System for the 457 Programme is available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s website at the link below.

 

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison, and the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, announced the signing of a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement between Australia and Spain.

The arrangement will give young people from both countries to experience each other’s culture. There will be 500 places for each country each migration program year.

A commencement date has not yet been set.

More information here.