Further consultation on role of employers in visa process

The Government is currently consulting on new legislation which will shift the administrative and cost burden to businesses of checking whether an overseas national is entering the country legitimately.

This will be of relevance to those responsible for organising:

• professional and amateur sporting events with overseas participants;
• entertainment and cultural events with overseas participants; or
• work or study courses for overseas migrants.

Under the current proposals, for every relevant individual entering the country, a 'sponsor' would be required to:

• obtain a copy of their passport;
• obtain details of their visiting addresses;
• obtain a bank statement to verify their financial status;
• pay fees to sponsor the relevant individual's entry;
• fulfil certain obligations when the relevant individual is in the country; and
• issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to each relevant individual.

The consultation closes on 10 March 2008 and many of these proposed new laws could be in force by September 2008.

There is an opportunity for affected parties to respond to the consultation setting out any concerns or comments.

For more information contact Sheila Gunn, Blair Adams or Kim Pattullo.