Migration Law Migration Registration Authority

Question: Discuss about the Migration Law for Migration Registration Authority. Answer: Introduction: Migration agents in Australia are abiding by the code of conduct which states the legal and ethical obligations of migration agents in Australia. These agents are registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA). These codes are formed with the objective of provide safety to the client. This code of conduct has legal force because it is set under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. As per the code of conduct it is the ethical duty of the migration agent that they provide following documents to its client: Schedule 2 of Migration Agents Regulations 1998 states that any agent if agreed to work with the client than it is the duty of the migration agent that he must provide to the client a copy of the consumer guide, and make the record that the copy of consumer guide is provided to the customer. The document which is produced by the authority which contains the information related to migration profession, authoritys functions, information related to legislation which regulates the profession, procedure related to complaint and ethical expectations of client from migration agent is relatively known as consumer guide. The migration agent must informed their clients that it is the right of the client that they receive copies of the application which are made under Migration Act or Migration Regulations, and also the copies of any document which are related to the application. Agent can charge particular amount of the copies he provided to the client. It is necessary that consumer guide must contain the following information under Migration Regulations, and guide the clients of the migration agent on following matters: Information related to migration agent and their code of conduct, and code of conduct ensures that migration agent will: Keep the information of the client confidential, and does not disclose the information without the prior permission of client. Be honest with the client regarding the possibilities of securing a visa. Keep the client informed regarding the status of application, and also inform the client if any changes affect the application. Keep in contact with the client during business hours, and help the client in case of any problem. Charge fees with the client which is reasonable. Behave ethically with the client, and fulfill all the duties of the agent towards the client. Consumer guide must state the complete procedure and functions of the authority, and must state the information related to profession of the migration agent. Consumer guide also state the procedure to follow by the client, if client wants to file a complaint against the agent or authority. Consumer guide must state the ethical and legal duties of the migration agent towards the client, employees and authority, and it also state the reasonable fees of migration agent and other charges. References: ETS Australia, Code of Conduct Extract, Accessed on 2nd November 2016 from: https://www.etsaustralia.org/365_calendar/attachments/newsletter/110701134515_Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf. Migration Agents Regulations 1998 - Schedule 2 Migration Agents Regulations 1998 - Reg 8