5 points for Investment Bond withdrawn Sept 07?? (PART TWO)
 

Hi Everyone,

This is not the amendment you've been waiting for. DIAC take bonds for a variety of purposes, but mainly with respect to Bridging Visas E and Sponsored Visitor Visas.

I can't speak on behalf of all registered migration agents but I did want to say the following.

The government's failure to live up to the speculation about a 1 July resolution, which was ultimately generated by DIAC, and following on the speculation which was raised in April, also generated by DIAC, is extremely disappointing. I could never have imagined that the government could have been so callous in its management of this issue. It's not that the processing for this group has been slow - this is a periodic problem - or that none of the obvious solutions has been implemented - but rather the complete lack of an open communication process. I'm sure it would be easier for everyone to cope if they knew the issues.

I don't know an agent who doesn't have clients affected by this and in fact we've all found alternative strategies for relevant clients where feasible, including, in our case, two entirely new applications by people who couldn't be bothered waiting, both families now being proud Australian permanent residents. The shocking waste of lives and time is probably exacerbated in the case of the onshore students, many of whom are forced to accept low status jobs while this is resolved, if they can find work at all as bridging visa holders. There is no obvious resolution through the courts since a change of policy is required, and for students of history, the current Minister is from WA, which was the first state to abandon the statutory deposit scheme.

Cheers,

George Lombard

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Thanks for expressing your thoughts on this George.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Cheers George.
Do you know if MIA has made any more contact to DIAC or the Minister on behalf of the agents (and ultimately us all), regarding this prolonged issue?
Gaz

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Hi Garry,

As far as I know the MIA has lobbied exclusively through the Department and this is ongoing but I'm more than happy to go to see the Minister with a delegation if the MIA can't do that. Very disappointed with the current situation.

Cheers,

George Lombard

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Hello George,

I'm more than happy to go to the minister and discuss the situation; hopefully more members of the discussion will come as well (the more the better I guess). This will allow us to establish some better forms of communication, rather than getting information from the third parties.

Please let us know how that can be arranged.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts George. My agents believe that there may be no decision taken but that decisions may be taken on a case by case basis taking into account the merits of each application.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Thank you for the comment, I was very surprised because recently none of the agents made any comment while we were waiting for some.
And now such a bold statement!
To sum it up our frustration mounts higher an higher. There are no verifiable news what so ever about any advancement in the bonds case.
I also went through the announcements for the bill and I couldn't find anything that relates to our situation.
My conclusion is: IT ONLY CAN GET BETTER!

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Thank you George for those statements. I am applying for a 138 and my relatives (mother and father in-law and husbands's aunt/uncle) have all written to Chris Evans, national MP and gone to see their local MP. I have given the local MP written consent to investigate our case and stated exactly what you have said: That the lack of communication and then inconsistent communication is unacceptable and cruel. I have to believe that if there are 4000 visa applications, the issue probably affects over 10,000 if you include family members on the application (we are a family of 5.)

I have also asked them to investigate why our medicals/PC's were requested on the 15th of April (due in by 24th of June) and when queried by our agent she was told the capital investment wasn't an issue. We dutifully spent the £1000 and now after contacting DIAC after the 7th of July announcement (It's come to our attention that some of you have had meds requested...) we are now told we are officially on hold until the issue is resolved and that they regrettably have no timeline. What right did they have to ask us to spend that money? We can't put the house on the market until this issue is resolved as they themselves say don't do anything irrevocable - and yet we will be forced into a very expensive holiday to validate or redoing meds. I appreciate that some applicants had meds requested when DIAC weren't clear all states/territories have withdrawn but not 5 months down the line when they should know full well what the situation is. We're one of the one's that can only apply for a temp visa under new rules so this is our only option for PR.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

We are not sure about what we looking for.As mentioned by DIAC they cant grant visa without capital investment and there is no alternative.Which mean a delay for a considerable period and after that refusal of applications. That is what we are looking for proberbly.little disappointing truth.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

If its going to be a "refusal". Then what about the costs incurred in good faith by applicants on application fees, migration agent's fees, IELTS fees, medical fees, and other misc costs like courier, photograhs, photcopies etc.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Sorry to say that was your own amusement to do all of this.
I guess nobody will recompense you for it.
(Same for us unfortunately!)

Something will come but nobody knows when it will be and if it will be positive or negative.

On official answer from the Ministers office was recently: "The Government is yet to make a decision on this matter and has given no indication of a likely timeframe nor likely outcomes at this point in time." (Quote)
Notice it was said "the Government" and not any more Minister Evans
Unofficially the word was "shortly" - as I posted earlier.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

We have to keep our faith that they WILL resolve this, it is NOT some dodgy banana republic we are dealing with, Australia is a law abiding nation with law and legislation to uphold, if you genuinely think there is some underhand conspiracy going on and you don't have faith in the Australian government to do the right thing, then why do you want to live there? I for one genuinely believe they ARE looking into solutions and to be honest I'm getting on with my life while we're waiting, we all just have to be pragmatic about this, it is not easily fixed and may still take some time to resolve.

George - Thank you again for your valued comments, its always a relief to see some migration agent support on this thread. Do you need a list of names to take to this DIAC deputation? Is there anything I can do to help? (albeit I'm UK based). Please PM me if there is anything I can do.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Nice one Joanne, for keeping positive.
I think you'd be a good nominee to assist/co-ordinate with any 'delegation'.
Gaz

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Hi GAZZAP and Joannec,

I am totally agree with you. I also have faith in Australia government. But I think we can't stop giving pressure to DIAC and just let this issue "fade out".

From my point of view, if we don't get urgent notice from DIAC by October. We are pretty much looking at next year to accomplish our applications. The other fact that the regular process of our application usually take 1 to 2 months individually once it started. In addition, the Christmas holiday will also slow down our progress. Therefore, OUR APPLICATION WILL BE DELAYED by almost 1 year:ohmy:.

Now what? should we give more pressure to DIAC ???

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I think we should. The question is how? Are we still up for setting up a delegation to the minister.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Now what? should we give more pressure to DIAC ???[/QUOTE]

This situation wasn't of DIAC's making, they too are waiting for Senator Evans to make a decision for them to implement. Surely if pressure is needed, it is on the Senator to announce a resolution. :confused:

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

This situation wasn't of Senator Evans making either, the state treasuries withdrew the bonds. Its probably a cabinet level decision if it involves a change to Immigration law.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Yes, the situation is neither the making of the Senator or DIAC, but he is the one who is in the cabinet and is in the best position to change legislation, DIAC surely can't. :confused:

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

It matters not who caused this to happen now...between them DIAC and the Minister have the job to give 'fair go' to all migrants surely?

Pressure on all parties (Gov., Senator, DIAC and Ombudsman) will do no harm, done in the appropriate manner.
We definitely don't want them to think we have all 'faded away'- which at this point in time, it does appear they'd like.

Again, as said frequently, and recently backed by George Lombard- it is the lack of reasonable dialogue and information that is the main cause of frustration!
Gaz

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I agree to set up a delegation.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

well, its taking so long now to come back , i have lost money on my house as its gone down in price and the dollar in oz has gone down aswell, so now i am better off staying put ,, why on earth is it taking so long to sort out...... HELLO people are waiting for answer ( they dont give a shit)...

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Please PM me IF you are in Australia or will be in Australia within the next month or so and would be willing to go with George to speak to the Department/Minister? Only a small number of delegates are required so not all who PM will get to go, those who are available will be contacted. The proposed location is Sydney.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

The Notice of Legislative changes are expected to be published on this website from 8:00am (AEST) Saturday 9 August 2008.

latest from www.immi.gov.au

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I wish:(

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Dear George and other respected agents in this forum,

Can u pls let us know if Migration act 1958 has anything to do with the change in legislation changes to be announced on 09th august. Below is the list of changes which will announced on that date.

Portfolio Legislation
Aliens Act Repeal Act 1984
Australian Citizenship Act 2007
Australian Citizenship Act (Transitionals and Consequentials) Act 2007
Immigration (Education) Act 1971
Immigration (Education) Charge Act 1992
Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946
Migration Act 1958
Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997
Migration (Health Services) Charge Act 1991
Migration (Sponsorship Fees) Act 2007
Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997


I am just trying to figure out if that has anything to do with what was mentioned in July 11th FAQ related to captial investment.

Applicants for any visa must meet the requirements specified in the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994. There is no provision within the legislation to waive the requirement to meet the points required for a GSM visa.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

i doubt if there's anything worth looking forward to in this notice of legislative changes, knowing that these changes will only be minor (because if there are major changes they'd probably give some feelers).

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Gud day guys
well i read some post now not all but there what my lawyer told me here that we may get some solution by next week this is what my mates lawyer told him as well
i m not sure.. but what i can say is keep finger accros n hope for ebst as soon as i know anything will let u know guys
cheers

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

We haven't had any new rumours for a while:rofl:
Lets hope this one is true!;)

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

If you read the documents kindly posted by Comonwealth on the top of page 117 of this thread it does not look like there is anything YET for us in this next batch of changes, my heart is hoping there will be my head is saying unlikely!

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Not even going there!

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

It certainly doesn't look like there are any changes for us in the 9 Aug list posted on this thread. And I'm not listening to any more rumours - a waste of energy.
I am also getting on with my life for now but have not given up hope that this dilemma will be resolved fairly and before the end of this year at least. I agree it would be a great idea to send a delegation to the minister's office as a gentle reminder that we are still waiting for some kind of decision on the way forward.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

We're on the verge of giving up. We've just had enough... :sad_smile:

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I am based in Sydney so I could be available for the delegate team.

But I suggest we should choose a main representitive as a team leader. Maybe two are even better. As one for onshore applicants and the other one can handle the offshore ones. Obviously, it is just a thought and I can't be either one due to my insufficient english level.

At this stage, I tried to contact George lately. He said he was happy to meet us (Small Consultation Fee May Applied). If you are interested to join me. Please reach me by [email protected]. I think we defintitely need some professionals' opinions before we establish a delegate team.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Never say give up!!!!! :)We all are trying our very best here!!!!!!:)

And This is what we have generally paid so far:

Almost $2000 AUD application fee
and almost $2000 AUD goes to the immigration Agent
$500 goes IELTs and Medical check-up

Nearly 800 signatures on the GoPetition.com
2000 posts contributed in this thread.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE DID NOT CHEAT!!!!:mad:

We have no excuse for letting our efforts waste in vain just like that.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I am based in Melbourne.. anything that I can do ??

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Transcript of Minister Evans interview on Australian television last night.

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2008/s2318150.htm


The discussion only covered refugee detention policy . Also includes his comments on ombudsman role in matters relating to his department.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I saw the interview... He didnt seem very sure of his ground and for all the changes there is very little difference in policy, detention decisions will be reviewed internally and no more legal rights to challenge government decisions either.

He looked and sounded like a weak and indecisive politician.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

Remember he is also the leader of the government in the senate. It wouldn't surprise me if he has too much on his plate and as a consequence is failing to deal effectively with this issue.


S

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

I agree, his priorities are divided but if you look at what he has spent his time on with regards to asylum seekers you have to question whether its a good use of legislative time. It looks like the fulfilment of an election promise, another tick in the box so that the can say they have done it but changing very little, its very New Labour.

Next on the list is the amendments to the Immigration and Citizenship acts that have to get the full parliamentary treatment so one has to wonder when he is planning on getting round to solving the 5 point issue.

Re: 5 points for Investement Bond withdrawn Sept 07??
 

That is certainly how he is appearing, via his (non-)dealings with us.:frown: