Amendments under the proposed Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents) Bill 2018 (Cth), currently before the senate, lawyers will be able to conduct immigration matters as part of their usual practice, will no longer have to register as migration agents and will not be subject to regulation by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). An implementation date of 19 November was originally set for this change.

Unfortunately the senate has not been able to find the time to consider or pass the amending legislation and the intended implementation date of 19 November 2018 will therefore no longer be possible. A new proposed implementation date will need to be determined when and if the legislation passes.

In the meantime double regulation continues and Australian Legal Practitioners must continue to register as Migration Agents with OMARA before they can conduct immigration work.

By Lawyers will keep you updated on the progress of this Bill. The By Lawyers Immigration Guide is available to assist lawyers who conduct immigration matters.