Lowering of x-ray Screening Age
1 July 2003 - Legislation change
Client summary
From 1 July 2003, immigration law has been amended so as to lower the age at which certain applicants and visa holders are required to undergo chest x-ray examinations.
Where the Migration Regulations impose a requirement that an applicant or visa holder undergo a x-ray examination, that requirement will now apply to persons aged 11 years and over. Previously those requirements only applied to persons aged 16 years and over.
The amendments reflect a policy intention to lower the screening age for x-ray examinations which was adopted in March 2002.
Technical details
Additional information: Amendments to provide for the lowering of the screening age have been made to paragraphs 785.225(b), 786.223(2)(a) and 866.224(b) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations, and to item 8205 and subparagraph 8259(b)(i) of Schedule 8 to the Migration Regulations.
The amendments will apply with respect to applicants being considered for the grant of a Temporary Protection (Subclass 785) visa, Temporary Humanitarian Concern (Subclass 786) visa, or Protection (Subclass 866) visa, and to holders of a visa with condition 8205 or condition 8529 attached.
Condition 8205 is a visa condition which requires the holder of a visa to which it is attached to undergo a chest x-ray examination if intending to study in a classroom situation for more than 4 weeks.
Condition 8529 is a visa condition imposed upon Temporary Safe Haven (Class UJ) visas requiring the holder to undergo a chest x-ray examination after entering Australia.
Transitional arrangements: The amendments to paragraphs 785.225(b), 786.223(2)(a) and 866.224(b) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations will apply with respect to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2003.
The amendments to item 8205 and subparagraph 8529(b)(i) will apply with respect to visas granted on or after 1 July 2003.
Forms: 1163I Summary of Health Examination Framework amended.
Instructions: PAM amendments introduced in July 2002.
Effect on delegations: n/a
Effect on systems:IRIS checklist and health matrix amended for 'E' business impact from 1 July 2003.