1. CLCs Work with Asylum Seekers in Australia

2. Migration Agents – Registration & Volunteering (May 2010)

3.  Part 3 Migration Act  s 276 defines “immigration assistance”: ◦ preparing, or helping to prepare, or advising on, or representing in, the visa application;visa  s 280 - a person who is not a registered migration agent must not give immigration assistance.registered migration agent  s 288 - An individual may apply to the Migration Agents Registration Authority to be registered as a registered migration agent. Migration Agents Registration Authority registeredregistered migration agent

4.  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

5. Solicitors can readily become Registered Migration Agents by:  Attaching to a specialist CLC (eg RACS ) ;  Completing MARA Registration Form;  Providing required supporting documents (eg certified copies of Practising Certificate, etc);  Obtaining AFP Police Check;  Paying fee of $160 (if not-for-profit)  Waiting … [must comply with CPD requirements to renew each year]

6.  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

7.  Contact RACS: ◦ admin@racs.org.au admin@racs.org.au ◦ melissa.mcadam@racs.org.au melissa.mcadam@racs.org.au Help with: ◦ Monday night Evening Advice sessions ◦ Christmas Island, etc Task Forces ◦ ? Provide outreach PV assistance within own CLC  Contact IARC