02 May 2017 New Code of Conduct

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority has released an amended version of the Code of Conduct for registered migration agents today, which includes:
Recent regulation changes:
Information on a number of changes to the Migration Agents Regulations which took effect on 18 April 2017.
Continuing professional development (CPD):
A new simplified CPD framework will be implemented from 1 January 2018. A number of changes that will be of interest to CPD providers are reflected in the revised regulations. There will be no change in regard to the CPD requirements for agents who will continue to be required to complete the specified 10 CPD points each year. Further detail will be provided in the lead up to implementation.
Average fee information collection:
A minor change relating to the collection of information about fees charged by migration agents. This change gives the OMARA the flexibility to consider more efficient ways of collecting the data.
Immigration assistance given by Agents as employers and sponsors:
Amendments to the regulations that now make it clear that whatever role an agent plays in relation to a visa application, they are at all times subject to the Code of Conduct (the Code). For example, a registered migration agent who is giving immigration assistance to an individual in their capacity as that individual’s employer or sponsor, must conduct themselves in accordance with the Code. This enhances consumer protection as it corrects an anomaly where agents in this circumstance were able to avoid their obligations under the Code.
Minor amendments have been made to the Code such that an agent is not prevented from giving immigration assistance to an individual they employ or sponsor unless there is conflict of interest.
The amended version of the Code is now available on the OMARA website.