Privacy policy
1. INTRODUCTION
Journey Across Regions (ABN: 67 755 058 058) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). As a Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 2519035), we also comply with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Code of Conduct.
2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We collect personal information necessary to provide migration services, including:
• Identity documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates)
• Educational qualifications and employment history
• Financial information and bank statements
• Health and character information
• Immigration history and visa details
• Contact information for you and your family members
• Biometric information as required by immigration authorities
3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION
We collect information directly from you through:
• Initial consultation forms and interviews
• Document submissions and correspondence
• Phone calls and email communications
• Our website contact forms and online portals
4. USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We use your personal information to:
• Provide migration advice and services
• Prepare and lodge visa applications
• Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs
• Maintain accurate client records
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• Provide updates on your case progress
5. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may disclose your information to:
• The Department of Home Affairs and other government agencies
• Educational institutions for qualification verification
• Employers for employment verification
• Medical practitioners for health assessments
• Third-party service providers (translators, document certifiers)
• Legal representatives where authorised
6. DATA SECURITY
We implement appropriate security measures including:
• Secure file storage systems
• Password-protected digital records
• Restricted access to client information
• Regular security reviews and updates
7. ACCESS AND CORRECTION
You have the right to:
• Access your personal information held by us
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of information (subject to legal requirements)
• Request for a paper copy of your file
8. RETENTION PERIODS
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to meet our legal obligations:
• Active Case Files:
o Personal and immigration information: Retained for the duration of your case plus 7 years after completion
o Financial records: 7 years from the date of transaction
o Correspondence and case notes: 7 years after case completion
• Closed Case Files:
o Essential case documentation: 7 years after case closure (as required by MARA)
o Supporting documents: 7 years after case closure, unless required for ongoing matters
o Marketing consent records: Until consent is withdrawn or 7 years from last contact
• Unsuccessful Applications:
o Initial consultation records: 2 years from last contact
o Incomplete application materials: 1 year from abandonment
Information may be retained longer if required by law, for legal proceedings, or with your explicit consent.
9. CROSS-BORDER TRANSFERS
Your personal information may be transferred outside Australia in the following circumstances:
• Routine Transfers:
o To the Department of Home Affairs offices overseas for visa processing
o To overseas educational institutions or employers for verification purposes
o To international family members when acting as your representative
• Service Provider Transfers:
o Cloud storage providers (with appropriate safeguards)
o Document translation services in relevant countries
o Secure communication platforms for client correspondence
We ensure that overseas recipients are bound by privacy obligations substantially similar to the Australian Privacy Principles or are located in countries with adequate privacy protections.
10. ENHANCED PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS CLAUSE
As a Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 2519035), we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct
• Professional confidentiality obligations under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
• Reporting requirements to the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). We may be required to disclose information to MARA for:
o Regulatory compliance and audits
o Professional conduct investigations
o Continuing professional development verification
o Client complaint resolution processes
• All disclosures will be limited to what is necessary and proportionate to the specific requirement.
11. COMPLAINTS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Making a Privacy Complaint:
• Internal Complaint Process:
o Contact us info@journeyacrossregions.com.au
o Provide details of your concern and desired outcome
o We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days
o Investigation and response within 30 days
• External Complaint Options:
o Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
• Phone: 1300 363 992
• Website: www.oaic.gov.au
o Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) for professional conduct matters
12. DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION
In the event of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to affected individuals:
• We will notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner within 72 hours.
• Affected clients will be notified as soon as practicable.
• We will provide clear information about the breach and steps being taken.
• Remedial action will be implemented immediately to prevent further breaches.
• We maintain a comprehensive incident response plan and conduct regular security assessments to minimize breach risks.
13. POLICY UPDATES
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:
• Changes in privacy laws or regulations
• New services or business practices
• Feedback from clients or regulatory bodies
**Notification Process:**
• Significant changes will be notified by email to active clients
• Updated policy will be posted on our website with the revision date
• Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of changes
• You may withdraw consent or request case transfer if you disagree with changes
**Version Control:**
• Current Version: 2
• Last Updated: 26 September 2025
• Next Review Date: 12 September 2026
Effective Date: 12 September 2025
