Digital Declaration Introduced When Traveling to Australia | Migration Amendments
Travellers arriving in Australia by plane or ship may no longer be required to complete a physical Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) to declare their accommodation and the goods they have brought with them.
What is the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD)?
The Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Australia Travel Declaration and Other Matters) Regulations 2024 introduces the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD), which serves as a digital substitute for the traditional IPC for travellers entering Australia.
This legislation seeks to enhance the border clearance process by piloting the ATD, starting with specific passengers at Brisbane Airport. The ATD will be accessible through the Qantas Frequent Flyer mobile app, enabling travellers to submit their travel and customs declarations electronically, thus simplifying the process and minimizing the use of paper forms.
What are the Key Highlights of the Legislation Amendment?
The key highlights of the amendments include:
Digital Declaration: Passengers who opt to use the ATD will not need to fill out the paper IPC upon arrival.
Trial Phase: The initial trial is set to commence in October 2024 and will be limited to select flights arriving at Brisbane Airport.
Privacy and Security: The Department of Home Affairs will securely manage personal information submitted through the ATD, ensuring it is not stored in Qantas's IT systems.
Visa Applications: The ATD facilitates a more efficient process for New Zealand citizens applying for a Special Category Visa (SCV) (Subclass 444) by streamlining the submission of relevant health and character details.
Customs and Immigration Compliance: This legislation updates references to the discontinued Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) to align with Australia's customs and immigration regulations.
Human Rights: The amendment has been reviewed for human rights compliance, ensuring it does not lead to discrimination or privacy breaches.
This amendment marks a move towards a more modern and efficient border management system, utilising digital technology to enhance travel declaration processes.
What If I Put in the Wrong Answer on My ATD /IPC?
It is essential that you provide accurate information on your ATD/IPC and your visa application as you travel to Australia. If you provide any false or misleading information in your IPC or ATD, even though the matter may seem small. However, those actions may lead to a visa cancellation or a visa refusal due to the Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020. If you are in that situation, we suggest that you quickly speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to assist you with your visa matter to continue your stay in Australia.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have recently received a visa cancellation or visa refusal due to PIC 4020, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents specialise in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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