The Migration Institute of Australia
 |
Look up migration or Migration in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
| Abbreviation | MIA |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Australian Migration Consultants Association |
| Formation | 1987 (as Australian Migration Consultants Association) 1992 (renamed to MIA) |
| Type | Professional association, Professional body, Non-profit organization |
| Legal status | Company limited by guarantee |
| Purpose | Professional representation of migration agents and migration lawyers |
| Headquarters | Level 3, 33 York Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 |
Region | Australia |
| Services | Professional support, education, advocacy, continuing professional development |
Membership | Approximately 2,500 members |
National President | Reuben Saul, MMIA |
Chief Executive Officer | Peter van Vliet |
Main organ | Board of Directors |
Staff | 11-50 employees |
| Website | www |
Formerly called | Australian Migration Consultants Association (1987-1992) |
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is Australia's leading professional association representing migration agents and migration lawyers.[1][2] Established in 1987 as the Australian Migration Consultants Association and restructured and renamed in 1992, the MIA is the oldest professional association representing migration professionals in Australia.[3][4]
The Institute's main functions include government liaison and advocacy, professional support and education for its members, and upholding professional standards through its own Code of Ethics and Practice.[1][5][6] The Australian government recognises the MIA as a key professional association and partner in developing Australia's migration policies.[7]
History
Foundation and Predecessor (1987–1992)
The Migration Institute of Australia's origins can be traced to the Australian Migration Consultants Association (AMCA), which was founded in 1987.[3][8][4][9]
In 1992, the organisation was restructured and renamed the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).[3][2] The inaugural National President of the MIA was John Milton Gillespie, founder of Gilton Business Consultants and a registered migration agent since 1982.[10] Gillespie also served as NSW State President of the Australian Migration Consultants Association from 1989-1991 and National President of AMCA in 1991, before becoming the MIA's first National President in 1992.[10]
Former Regulatory Function (pre-2009)
Prior to 2009, the MIA held a quasi-governmental regulatory role. Australian legislation appointed the Migration Institute of Australia Limited to operate as the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).[11] In this capacity, the MIA was responsible for maintaining the official register of migration agents in Australia, processing registration applications, monitoring agent conduct, investigating complaints, and performing other regulatory functions under the Migration Act 1958.[11][4]
This dual function ended in 2009 following a government review by then-Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans. The review found that the arrangement whereby the MIA operated the MARA had created perceived and potential conflicts of interest, resulting in a lack of consumer confidence.[12] On 1 July 2009, the Australian government established the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) as a discrete office within the Department of Home Affairs.[11][13] This new body took over all regulatory and registration powers from the MIA.[11] The transfer of regulatory power required the MIA to transition from a government-appointed regulator to an independent, member-focused professional advocacy body.
Governance and Organisational Structure
Legal and Corporate Status
The Migration Institute of Australia operates as an unlisted public company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001.[3][5][4] Under its Constitution, it is not empowered to pay dividends to its members.[3][4]
The MIA and its elected office bearers are guided by the legal framework set out in the Corporations Act 2001, the MIA Constitution and Rules, the Corporate Governance Statement and Board Charter.[2][5] The organization publishes a detailed Annual Report each year providing full public disclosure of its activities, strategic objectives, and financial performance, with financial accounts externally audited annually.[2][5]
Leadership and Governance Structure
The MIA is governed by a Board of Directors comprising:
- Five Branch Presidents representing each state and territory branch
- Up to three appointed directors recommended by the Nominations Committee with expertise in areas such as governance and law[14]
As of 2024, the National President is Reuben Saul, MMIA (Western Australia Branch President), with Anke Nagel serving as National Vice President (Queensland/Northern Territory Branch President) and Sean Choong as National Treasurer (South Australia Branch President).[14][5]
The day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), currently Peter van Vliet.[15] The CEO leads a national office team of general managers responsible for areas such as Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations, Strategy and Member Experience, and Corporate Services.[5][15]
State Branches and Chapters
The MIA has branches and chapters in all Australian states and territories:
- New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
- Victoria and Tasmania (VIC/TAS)
- Queensland and Northern Territory (QLD/NT)
- South Australia (SA)
- Western Australia (WA)
- London, United Kingdom (overseas chapter)[2][5]
Headquarters
The MIA's national office is located at Level 3, 33 York Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, with a postal address at PO Box Q102, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 1230.[16]
Membership
Membership Categories
The MIA offers a tiered membership structure for professionals in the migration advice sector.[17] The main categories include:
- Registered Migration Agent Member (Commercial RMA) - For fee-charging migration agents registered with OMARA (annual investment $635)
- Non-Fee Charging Member (Non-Commercial RMA) - For migration agents listed as non-fee charging by OMARA who provide pro bono services (annual investment $160)
- Legal Practitioner Member - For Australian legal practitioners who hold a current practicing certificate and work in migration law (annual investment $635). A non-commercial sub-category is also available for those in community legal centres.
- Affiliate Member - A non-voting category for individuals with an interest in the migration profession, such as academics, policy professionals, or legal practitioners new to migration practice (annual investment $400)
- Corporate Member Plans - Discounted rates for businesses with three or more eligible members
- Student Subscription - Free subscription for students studying migration law, providing access to information and discounted educational resources[17]
As of recent reports, the MIA has approximately 2,500 members out of approximately 5,000 registered migration agents in Australia.[18][19]
Professional Accreditation
The MIA provides a pathway for members to achieve higher levels of professional recognition through rigorous courses and assessments:
- Associate Fellow of the MIA (AFMIA™) - Recognizes members with over five years of continuous membership who have demonstrated commitment to the immigration profession through ongoing professional development and made notable contributions to the profession[20]
- Fellow of the MIA (FMIA™) - A senior designation for members with over ten years of continuous membership who have made significant contributions to both the profession and the Institute, demonstrating long, diligent, and unblemished service[21]
- Life Member of the MIA (LMMIA™) - The highest level of recognition, awarded by the MIA Board for outstanding and distinguished service to the Institute and the profession[22]
Code of Ethics and Professional Standards
Dual Code of Conduct
All migration agents in Australia are legally required to follow the statutory Code of Conduct for Registered Migration Agents, which is administered by OMARA.[23] This code sets the baseline legal and ethical requirements for the profession. Breaches can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation of an agent's registration.[23]
In addition, all MIA members must abide by the MIA Code of Ethics and Practice as a condition of joining and remaining members of the Institute.[3][5][6] This supplementary code sets a higher standard than the statutory requirements, covering professional conduct between members, interactions with MIA staff, and the obligation to uphold the Institute's reputation.[6] The Code is designed to protect members and the reputation of the profession by assisting migration professionals to maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct their businesses professionally and ethically.[24]
Core Ethical Values
The MIA Code of Ethics requires members to observe core ethical values including:
- Integrity - Placing the integrity of the migration profession and client interests above personal interests
- Objectivity - Not allowing professional judgment to be compromised by bias or conflicts of interest
- Professional Competence - Maintaining knowledge through continuing professional development
- Anti-discrimination and Harassment - Providing a safe and respectful environment
- Confidentiality - Respecting confidential information[6]
Services and Activities
Professional Support
The MIA provides comprehensive professional support to its members through:
- A members' forum with over 100,000 posts facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge sharing[2]
- Professional advice from in-house experienced Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and lawyers. In 2023–24, this team handled over 4,800 requests for assistance.[5]
- Weekly eNewsletters and "MIA Notices" service providing up-to-date information on legislative and policy changes
- Mentoring and networking opportunities
- Professional support on client and ethical matters[25]
Education and Training
The MIA is a major provider of education and training for Australia's migration advice profession.[1][5] It offers:
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that are accredited for CPD points, which are mandatory for all RMAs to maintain their registration with OMARA. In 2023–24, the MIA had over 5,000 registrations for its workshops and seminars.[1][5][13]
- Face-to-face and online training programs
- The Practice Ready Program (PRP) - Previously required for newly registered agents in their first year of registration, this practice-oriented workshop was designed to provide agents new to the profession with the skills and knowledge needed for competent professional practice[26][12]
- Immigration law courses and seminars
- Regional conferences and educational events[27]
National Migration Conference
The MIA hosts an annual two-day National Migration Conference, rotating between Australian states and territories.[28] The conference brings together politicians, academics, economists, migration professionals, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in migration law and policy.[28][29]
The conference attracts senior government figures, including the Assistant Minister for Immigration, and typically includes:
- A two-day program featuring expert speakers and practical sessions
- Welcome reception
- Gala Dinner and Awards Night
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities[5][7]
Advocacy and Government Relations
The MIA represents the interests of its members through:
- Regular government liaison and stakeholder meetings
- Quarterly meetings with the Department of Home Affairs and the MIA Executive to discuss policy issues and reforms[7]
- Meetings with Ministers and Assistant Ministers for Immigration
- Appearances before the Joint Standing Committee on Migration
- Public policy submissions to government inquiries and parliamentary reviews
- Public speaking and media engagements
- Advocacy for professional standards and migration policy reform[7][30]
- Close collaboration with the Law Council of Australia, with which it shares many members[2]
The Australian government formally acknowledges this relationship. In a 2024 address, the Assistant Minister for Home Affairs called the Institute a "key professional association" and stated that its "meaningful input and feedback...helps shape and improve government programs".[7] The MIA regularly makes submissions to government consultations on migration-related matters including skilled migration programs, visa processing, regional migration, and migration agent regulation.[31]
Policy Positions and Influence
Influence through Formal Submissions
The MIA influences migration policy by providing detailed submissions to parliamentary inquiries and government reviews based on the practical experience of its members.[3][4] While the MIA maintains a collaborative relationship with the government, its formal submissions often include critiques of policy and calls for reform, such as criticising the government's "persistent refusal to address the issue of fraudulent and unlawful operators".[9]
Key Policy Recommendations
In its 2023 submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration's inquiry, Migration, Pathway to Nation Building, the Institute made 28 recommendations for reform.[3] Key proposals include:
| Policy Area | MIA's Key Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Permanent Migration Program | Increase the annual permanent migration intake by 20% to 230,000 places in the 2023-24 program year. |
| Program Planning Cycle | Determine migration program planning levels for a minimum of three-year cycles to provide stability and consistency for users of the program. |
| Skilled Visa Age Limits | Restore the upper age limit for permanent residency eligibility for employer-sponsored applicants to 50 years of age. |
| International Graduates | Develop a direct permanent residency pathway for international graduates with honours or higher degrees from Australian universities in high-demand fields. |
| Labour Market Testing (LMT) | Abolish the requirement for employers to conduct Labour Market Testing before sponsoring an overseas worker. |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | Reduce or abolish the SAF levy for regional sponsors and for employers sponsoring temporary visa holders for permanent residency (particularly the Temporary Residence Transition stream). |
| Health Requirements | Increase the "significant cost threshold" for visa health criteria to a minimum of twice the annual per capita health expenditure for Australians and reduce the calculation period from ten to five years. |
| Skills Recognition | Increase the number of skills assessing authorities and require them to develop consistent and transparent assessment processes. |
| New Zealand Citizens | Restore and expand pathways to permanent residency for New Zealand citizens resident and working in Australia. |
| Pacific Labour Mobility | Develop and expand the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility permanent residency pilot into a permanent residency stream. |
Awards and Recognition
MIA Awards for Excellence in Migration
The MIA presents annual MIA Awards for Excellence in Migration to recognise outstanding contributions to the migration sector.[32] The awards are presented at a Gala Dinner during the annual National Migration Conference.[32]
The program includes three main award categories:
- Educator of the Year Award - Recognizes outstanding contribution to the MIA's CPD or Education program. Past winners include Ahmad Shady (2023, 2025), Sophie Manera (2022), and Tom Foran (2018).[33]
- Distinguished Service Award - Marks a special contribution made by a member on behalf of the MIA and its membership for services provided voluntarily. Previously known as the Kevin Lane Service Award.[34]
- Emerging Talent Award - Recognising an accomplished and emerging migration professional.[32]
The awards ceremony is also when the Institute grants its senior professional designations of Associate Fellowship (AFMIA), Fellowship (FMIA), and Life Membership (LMMIA).[32] Award recipients receive a commemorative plaque and are invited to speak at the Gala Dinner.[32]
Mission and Vision
The MIA's stated mission is to support members through ongoing education, professional support, and advocacy, while providing informed leadership in migration discussions.[35]
The organization's vision statement is: "The Migration Institute of Australia and its members are the authority and benchmark for informed, trusted and respected migration practice and leadership."[36]
Key Personnel
- Peter van Vliet - Chief Executive Officer (appointed 2024). Van Vliet is a registered migration agent and holds a Master of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, and Graduate Diploma in Migration Law from Victoria University. He has worked as a senior executive in the Commonwealth and Victorian governments and previously served as CEO of International Social Service Australia.[18][37]
- Reuben Saul, MMIA - National President and Western Australia Branch President. Saul holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW and has worked as a migration lawyer since 2010.[14]
- Bronwyn Markey, FMIA - Senior Manager, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations[38]
See also
- Migration to Australia
- Australian migration law
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority
- Migration Act 1958
- Department of Home Affairs (Australia)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Migration Institute of Australia". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "About the MIA". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "Migration, Pathway to Nation Building". Parliament of Australia. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "A Migration System for Australia's Future" (PDF). homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 "MIGRATION INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA 2023 - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT" (PDF). mia.org.au. pp. 3–4. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "MIA Code of Ethics and Practice" (PDF). mia.org.au. May 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Address to the Migration Institute of Australia 2024 National Conference". minister.homeaffairs.gov.au. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ "MIA Submission to the Supporting strong and sustainable regions consultation" (PDF). mia.org.au. 26 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Migration Agents Instruments Review – Consultation Report" (PDF). homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Our History". giltonvaleo.com.au. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Migration Agents Registration Authority". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Independent Review of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority" (PDF). homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority". mara.gov.au. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "MIA Board of Directors". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "MIA Staff". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ "Contact Us". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 "MIA Membership Categories". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 "From migration law student to CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia". Victoria University. 2025-04-08. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Who we are and what we do". Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ "Associate Fellowship (AFMIA™)". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Fellowship". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Members with Additional Accreditation". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Code of conduct". Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ "Standards and Governance". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Benefits". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Creating a world class migration advice profession" (PDF). Department of Home Affairs. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Annual Report 2012-2013" (PDF). Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 "National Migration Conference 2025". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "MIA National Migration Conference 2025: Reform, Recognition and Readiness". VETASSESS. 2025-10-15. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Migration, Pathway to Nation Building". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "MIA Submissions". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 "MIA Awards for Excellence in Migration". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Educator of the Year Award". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Distinguished Service Award". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Annual Report 2017-2018" (PDF). Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "About". Migration Institute of Australia. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "SSI welcomes Peter van Vliet as new board chair". Third Sector. 2025-07-08. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Migration Institute of Australia". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
External links
Category:Professional associations based in Australia Category:Organizations established in 1987 Category:Immigration to Australia Category:Non-profit organisations based in Australia Category:Companies based in Sydney Category:1987 establishments in Australia Category:1992 establishments in Australia
This article "The Migration Institute of Australia" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:The Migration Institute of Australia. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
