REGISTERED MIGRATION AGENTS
In the UK the migration industry is NOT regulated. This means that any individual, irrespective of experience or knowledge, can provide information regarding Australian visas and migration requirements. Historically this has proven disastrous for many unwitting applicants who have placed their faith, trust and hard earned money, in the hands of individuals who are not properly trained in the complexities of the Australian migration regulations. When it all goes horribly wrong the applicants have nowhere to go to seek compensation for the incorrect advice they received, the money they have lost and the time and effort that have been wasted.
Registered Migration Agents (RMA’s) are the only representatives who have been thoroughly trained and examined in all aspects of Australia’s complex migration regulations. RMA’s are required to display a high level of “sound knowledge” in all aspects of Australian migration and undergo annual continuing professional development to ensure that their knowledge and understanding of the Australian migration regulations remains current at all times.
RMA’s are required to maintain an extensive professional library to ensure that they are up to date with all legal decisions relating to migration and visa issues that are dealt with through the Australian legal system.
Most importantly RMA’s are bound by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) code of conduct. This code of conduct is designed to protect the consumer in all matters relating to their dealings with an RMA. If the consumer feel that they have not been dealt with properly by their registered migration agent they may seek assistance from the MARA. MARA has the legal power to sanction agents and even de-register them if they are proven to have contravened the code of conduct. MARA has no such powers over unregistered agents who practice outside of Australia.
Access
Access Migration Services Registered Migration Agent
Our migration agent, Michael Fidler, has been registered with MARA (0006264) since March 2001 and has been working in the migration industry since 1997. In that time he has represented many hundreds of successful visa applications. Michael worked in the migration industry in the UK between 1997 and 2002 and fully understands the issues associated with UK applicants making successful visa applications. Michael is now located in Australia and so has daily access to all the government departments and other agencies that are involved in the making of a successful visa application.
Remember, if your agent is not registered with MARA you have no protection in the event that you are given incorrect advice or dealt with in a less than reputable manner. Don’t trust this most important process to anyone but a registered migration agent.
