At a recent industry meeting, the Department of Home Affairs shared a concerning statistic with practitioners. Of the current caseload, the Department considers approximately 70% of applications to be “high-risk”, largely due to fraudulent documentation.
Over and above this, assessors are adopting a very strict approach, and industry-wide, there is a high refusal rate. Whereas in previous times, assessors would communicate prior to reaching a decision, this is a courtesy not extended in the current environment.
If your advisor requests documentation that has not been requested before, please bear in mind that we are operating in a compliance-driven environment and that requests are made with your best interests in mind!
Higher scrutiny of applications also leads to lengthy processing times, with 10 to 15 months being the norm.
DISCLAIMER This information is current as at 2 May 2018 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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