The Australian Government has introduced a legislative instrument, LIN 25/019, under the Migration Regulations 1994 to waive the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for certain applicants applying for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in connection with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Under this instrument, individuals who are invited by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee to attend meetings or participate in activities related to the Games will be eligible for a nil VAC when applying for a Subclass 600 visa under the Tourist or Business Visitor stream. This waiver aligns with Australia’s commitment to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to facilitate the Games’ successful organisation.
Key Points:
- The instrument commences immediately upon registration and is classified as a legislative instrument.
- Only official invitees of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee are eligible.
- The waiver applies exclusively to the Tourist and Business Visitor streams of the Subclass 600 visa.
- Other applicants for the Subclass 600 visa who do not fall within this class must pay the standard VAC as prescribed in the Migration Regulations.
- Consultations with relevant government agencies, including Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, and the International Olympic Committee, raised no objections to this visa concession.
- The instrument is exempt from parliamentary disallowance under Australian legislation.
This measure supports the Australian Government’s pledge to the IOC and ensures that key stakeholders can travel to Australia to participate in the preparations and execution of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
