Terms of Reference

Marriage visa classes

Terms of Reference

(a) the number of Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa applications and grants by post, officer, nationality, age of applicant and sponsor;
(b) the risk and incidence of fraud under the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa program, including the incidence of cases where prospective marriages did not occur;
(c) the incidence of Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa applicants and sponsors who entered into an arranged marriage;
(d) the administration, application and effectiveness of eligibility criteria in relation to the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa program, with a special focus on, but not limited to, protections against fraud, age differences, regard for cultural practices and relationship criteria;
(e) the sufficiency and suitability of assessment procedures to protect against fraud and to ascertain the reliability of consent of an applicant for a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa, where it is believed the applicant will be entering into an arranged marriage;
(f) whether current policies and practices of the Australian Government with regard to the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa or other visa categories are facilitating forced marriages;
(g) the policies and practices that could strengthen protections against fraud and for women in other countries applying for a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa, from entering into a forced marriage; and
(h) any other related matters.

For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone:+61 2 6277 3560
Fax:+61 2 6277 5794
Email:legcon.sen@aph.gov.au