The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall inquire into the efficacy of current regulation of Australian migration agents. In conducting its inquiry, the Committee shall have particular regard to:
Examining the registration and regulation of migration agents in Australia including: education, English proficiency, payment, fee-scheduling as well as the suitability and stringency of the accreditation process and evidence of deficiencies.
The nature and prevalence of fraud, professional misconduct and other breaches by registered migration agents, the current review mechanisms for migration agents and the adequacy of penalties.
Deficiencies and barriers to relevant authorities' investigation of fraudulent behaviour by registered migration agents in visa applications, including the adequacy of information and evidence sharing between such authorities.
Evidence of the volumes and patterns of unregistered migration agents and education agents providing unlawful immigration services in Australia.
Reviewing the appropriateness of migration agents providing other services to clients.
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall also separately examine integrity issues associated with the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa. The Committee shall have particular regard to evidence of visa cancellation rates, non-compliance with 'no work' conditions, and other integrity concerns.