Amendments to Guest of Government Definition
23 April 2007 - Legislation change
Client summary
From 23 April 2007, the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’) will be amended to to reflect a new definition of ‘guest of Government’.
The new definition specifies that only an official guest of the Australian Government, or a member of the immediate family of the official guest (who is accompanying the official guest), are eligible for guest of Government status.
A member of the immediate family of the guest is defined as a spouse, dependent child, or parent (in limited circumstances) of the official guest of the Australian Government.
Prior to this amendment, the definition included a spouse, or dependent relative or a member of the personal or official staff or a media representative accompanying the official party of an official guest of the Australian Government.
Technical details
The following provisions of the Regulations will be amended:
Regulation 1.03.
Additional information: Persons who were previously included in the definition of Guest of Government (a member of the personal or official staff or a media representative accompanying the official party of an official guest of the Australian Government) will now need to apply for an appropriate visa prior to travelling to Australia. Such persons should contact their local Australian mission to discuss visa arrangements.
Transitional arrangements: These amendments do not apply to persons who entered Australia with guest of Government status before 23 April 2007, and who will depart Australia after this date. The amended definition will apply to such persons for all future guest of Government visits.
Forms: Nil
Instructions: PAM3 The relevant policy documents will be amended to reflect these changes.
Effect on delegations: Nil
Effect on systems: Nil