Proposals for simplifying Australian visitor visas

Introduction of unsponsored short-stay Australian visa--As per plans, Australia is seeking introduction of a new Australian visa category-namely- unsponsored Australian short-stay visa. This Australian visa will be useful for various short-term work purposes, the announcement maintained.

Government seeks public consultations before final decision--Meanwhile, any final decision on reforms in the Australian visas will be taken after analysis of the public consultations in this regard, stated Senator Nick Sherry, the Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Chris Bowen, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. It may be noted that the public comments are being invited on simplification of Australian visas by the Australian government.

Speaking about the issue, Australian immigration minister Bowen said that the recent plan for simplification of Australian visas is in tune with the commitment of the government for streamlining the Australian temporary work visa process.

The aim of public comments is to make sure that effects of any such changes on the Australian public are given due consideration by the Australian government, he asserted. Final changes will be implemented after seeing the response of the Australian public in the current paper. Last date for public comments on the paper is 13th May, 2011.

Details about the paper can be known by visiting the official website of the DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship).

Proposed changes in the paper on simplification of Australian visas---

The proposals in the paper named ‘Simpler Visas: Making Visitor Visas Simpler’ include reducing the number of Australian visas by 50 percent by the year 2015 under the ‘Better Regulation Agenda’.

Cutting the total number of Australian visitor visas to four from nine. The government is likely to exclude all non-business Australian temporary visas from the Australian visitor visa program which currently allows short-stay of business, tourist, family and medical treatment visitors.

Australian visitor visas are a good source of valuable contribution to the social, economic, cultural and bilateral development to the nation, the DIAC maintained. Such visas will be included in a new category of Australian visas proposed to be named ‘Australian temporary work visa program’.