As of yesterday, Department of Immigration and Border Protection has become Department of Home Affairs. So what does this mean for migrants?
When: 20 December 2017
What: All visa and citizenship services are now a part of the newly formed Department of Home Affairs www.homeaffairs.gov.au. Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). The website has also changed from www.border.gov.au to www.homeaffairs.gov.au.
What does this mean for me?
You do not need to be alarmed with this news. It is not uncommon for Australian government department name changes. Back in 2013, Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) was then named Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Before that, it was known as Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Yes, you will notice changes to the website, professional titles of employees etc, but no, we do not foresee there to be any out-of-the-ordinary changes to the processes.
If you have any concerns or questions about this news, please feel free to contact us and have a chat with one of our migration specialists.
Source: https://www.pmc.gov.au/news-centre/pmc/home-affairs-portfolio-established