Australia

Australia: New immigration clearance requirements for crewmembers on non-military ships

New immigration clearance procedures for crewmembers of non-military ships have been introduced by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) in order to try and improve security arrangements at Australian seaports.

Under the new arrangements, effective as of 1 November 2003, all crewmembers of non-military ships calling at Australian ports will be required to carry and "identity document" in addition to their passport during immigration clearance. The identity document must identify the holder and confirm that the crewmember is a seafarer and is employed on a vessel in his capacity as a seafarer.

Until the implementation of these new procedures, such crewmembers were not obligated to carry both a passport and identity document. However, those who fail to satisfy the requirements will now be refused entry and restricted to their vessel for the duration of its stay in Australian waters. While the vessel itself will be free to conduct its business in Australia the owners will be liable for a penalty of $5,000 for each inadequately documented crewmember who tries to enter Australia.

For those crewmembers joining their vessel in Australia they will continue to be required to hold a valid passport and visa for immigration clearance on arrival. However, they will need to present an identity document in addition to a valid passport when they join their vessel.

These new requirements are the first step in introducing Advance Passenger Processing (APP) for passengers and crew arriving in Australia by sea. APP is designed to facilitate security checking of people wishing to travel to Australia. Under legislative changes passed in July 2002 all aircraft and ship operators will be required to provide advance electronic reports on passengers and crew through Australia's existing APP system.

Further information about the new requirements can be obtained by e-mailing DIMIA at airseaport. operations@immi.gov.au